Show Steer HELP!!!

[jsuhr]

My fair is at the beginning of August and need to put as much weight and finish on as possible in the next month. What do you guys suggest to help with this problem. Feed additives, change in ration...?! I have been giving him as much high moisture corn and 45-25 steakmaker protein supplement as he can eat as well as free choice TM salt block along side of high quality hay. All ideas are appreciated!
Thanks, Jordan.

 

[hamburgman]

Changing rations will just cost you time and pounds.  Your ration sounds much more like a feedlot finishing ration than a showcalf ration.  I would suggest adding some water to the feed to make it more platable and cattle will eat more DM if it is wet.  I might also suggest adding a little beet pulp for some bulking and taste but not too much since you need pounds.  Free choice hay isn't helping the situation either, you don't want to take it away, but hand feeding brome is you best bet to get him to eat more of the finishing ration.

 

[jsuhr]

I will try some pulp and see how things go. I am not giving complete free choice hay only a few small square slices per feeding. I also am adding a 36-16 molasses to the feed. Thanks!

 

[cowman 52]

If you can , go to feeding 3times a day,and stay with your ration.  3 percent of the body wt is the goal, and by doing that you may get to 3.5 percent.  5 in the morn,  2 in aft and 10 at night..  Sunday,  feed twice,  and aim for 2 percent on Sunday.  He needs to empty out,  and will come in mon morn ready to go.  Did this with Denver carloads and worked well.  Feed something with him,  it will get you another .5 percent on intake.exercise before the am feeding.