holding management

[Hodgie76]

We run into this issue almost every year. In Iowa many good calves are born in the beginning of  March. People want them born before the mud starts. They also like calves born before field work starts  for corn planting. Our problem is many of  the quality calves are big right now. They need to  not grow too much from now (Sept.)  until 4-H weigh in 1/1/16. Many judges use the steers rate of gain as a large factor in their decisions. What is a good holding ration?  Any other holding management practices would be appreciated.

 

[Tallcool1]

A little receiving chow (Precon) and all the hay they want. 

You just have to realize that by putting a 6 month old calf into a holding pattern, you are in essence deciding if the calf is going to be a fat steer or a prospect steer.  You can't have it both ways if you hold him now.  On the other hand, you can feed him moderately to keep a little condition, shrink him back for weigh in, and prospect with him as well. 

It is tricky, and getting tougher every year.  These cattle just keep getting better and they keep converting better. 

 

[Hodgie76]

Holding might not be the right word. More like get them at the right wt. Jan. 1.  If the steer would gain one pound per day we would be ok. One year my son had a steer we thought was 750 lbs and ended up at 850 lbs. on Jan. 1st. Our fair is the last wk in July.  The head of the National Cattlemens Asso. told me we have 30 % less cows producing 30% more beef than 30 years ago.