Practical feeding of finishing cattle Dr. Mary Drewnoski

Feedlot nutrition When cattle reach the feedlot need to achieve the most rapid gain possible High capital investment – time is money so must maximize gain ADG 3 to 4 lb/d F:G 6 to 7 High grain finishing diets typically result in the best performance and lowest cost of gain.

Feedlot nutrition Energy is usually what limits gain in finishing diet Want to maximize energy and not get digestive problems Energy management is typically where problems occur Acidosis, liver abscesses and bloat Ionophores pay big time

Transitioning cattle Ration transition should not start until feeder cattle are settled in the feedlot and intakes have stabilized Start with 0.5 to 1% BW grain and work up to finishing ration slowly (usually take 3-6 weeks) Making ration changes while intakes are rapidly increasing, or moving cattle onto finishing diets too quick can result in acidosis that can reduce animal performance.

Finishing ration Forage quality is not an issue; very little fiber digestion on finishing diets 5-9% eNDF (stimulate rumination) Grain processing has a large impact on the economics of finishing cattle. Monitor it regularly. Keep fines to a minimum Keep whole kernels to a minimum

Acidosis can be a problem High energy feeds Grain Maximum fed, % of DM Consideration Corn grain 92 Milo Wheat 50 Acidosis can be a problem Barley 90 Bloat can be a problem Ground ear corn 95 (If no forage fed) High fiber Rate of ruminal fermentation (if dry rolled) (Highest) Wheat, barley, corn, sorghum (lowest)

High energy feeds Fat supplements (Tallow, Vegetable-Animal Fat) Increase energy concentration Reduce dustiness Limit to 5% of DM Molasses

High energy feeds Potato coproducts A more slowly degradable source of starch than corn Lower in β-carotene, a source of vitamin A Water content often limits use Can range from 10 to 30% DM The coproducts except the fried products, ensile rapidly

High energy feeds 1) potato peels 2) Screen solids (small potatoes and pieces); 3) fried product (fries, hash browns, batter, crumbles) 4)material from the water recovery systems (oxidation ditch, belt solids, filter cake)

Variation is the enemy Strive for consistency in feed delivery. This means exact ration formulas mixed for the proper length of time. Enter ingredients in the same sequence each load. Use a stop watch or a rotation counter to ensure loads are consistently mixed. Be consistent with time of feeding You don’t want to cause “unsureness” in the cattle mind

Variation is the enemy Minimize crashes in intakes, reduce waste, and achieve and maintain maximum intakes by following a disciplined protocol of feed increases. Prescribed feeding (slick bunk management) Feed to match cattle appetites

Bunk score 0 Want them to have cleaned up within the hour Is it still wet? Slow and steady wins the race If score is zero for 2 or 3 days then increase the feed delivered to cattle by 5-10 percent

Bunk score 2 If the score is two or more, reduce the feed offered by 5-10 percent. Scores constantly in the 2 to 3 range may lead to feed wastage Clean up spoiled feed

Making feed calls Use the bunk scores but also have feed truck drivers record aggression scores Want 25:50:25 25% in pen at bunk ready to eat 50% coming to the bunk (simulated by the truck) 25% milling around not ready to eat If more at bunk need to feed more If more milling around need to feed less

Market at the right time Efficiencies decline and costs increase as cattle get heavier. It is estimated that profitability per head decreases $1 for each day cattle are fed past the finish point.