In this article, we’ll look at the growing and finishing stages of raising feeder calves. We’ll discuss nutrition, and identify feedlots and places to purchase feeder calves. And we’ll talk about what to do when you find the perfect feeder calf. Despite their name, feeder calves are not as easy to raise as other types of cattle. Here are some tips and tricks. Then, you can enjoy a successful feeding season and make your own tasty meat.
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Growing and finishing stages of raising feeder calves
The growing and finishing stages of raising feeder calves have different feed requirements. For the growing stage, feed intake should be increased by 8% to 10% every five to seven days. During the finishing stage, the calves should be fed a 50:50 mix of grain and roughage (hay). Feeding transitions are not a simple process. The process of converting calves to commercial diets requires planning and preparation.
Backgrounding: This phase is necessary for the newly weaned calves to gain body weight. Forage is the calves’ main source of nutrients, and the cows spend most of their time eating it. Some producers use pasture for cattle and combine the harvested feeds with grains. The cows at the end of the backgrounding stage will weigh approximately one year old. They will start to gain weight at about 2.5 pounds a day.
Nutritional management of feeder calves
Ideally, your calf should eat a total of 1.5 to 2.0 percent of its body weight each day. For optimal rumen health, your calf should also be given access to a variety of fortified pellets and free-choice hay. You should monitor calf performance and monitor for signs of digestive upset. If calves are refusing to eat much hay, gradually increase the amount of fortified pellets or hay fed to them.
During the weaning period, feeds should contain sufficient protein and energy to develop the rumen. The proportion of protein in feed is highly dependent on the ME concentration. Milk contains more than 90% ME, which is equivalent to a half gram of energy. Solid feeds, such as hay, contain about 50 to 60% ME. Consequently, feeds containing more protein should be accompanied by a higher level of energy.
Identifying a feedlot
Identifying a feedlot is important when raising feeder calves for meat. Feedlots have very low living conditions and are designed to maximize the gain of fat in cattle. These confined quarters allow the animals to gain weight more quickly and efficiently. They are also better managed to minimize the stress and health problems that can affect cattle. Identifying a feedlot can help you determine the quality of feed your calves will receive.
Once you have identified the location of the feedlot, you can ask questions related to feeding practices, diet and animal health. The veterinarian will ask general questions about the cattle’s origin and then move toward specifics. A well-seasoned feedlot veterinarian will know that a semiload of calves may have come from several farms, or even the home base of the order buyer. As a producer, the information about the cattle will help you build a mental picture of the situation.
Finding a place to purchase feeder calves
When buying feeder calves, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the feedyard’s reputation. Many feedyards have gained a reputation for providing high-quality service and ensuring that cattle are properly fed. You can establish this reputation by talking to other cattle owners or bank employees. Some feedyards include a legal contract with their customers, which you may wish to review. This legal contract may include provisions to ensure that your cattle will be counted. It is imperative to choose a feedyard you can trust and that has a proven track record for quality products.
Another factor to consider is price. Feeder calf prices can vary dramatically. The peak season for heavy feeder cattle occurs in the spring, but calf prices will likely decrease as we approach the end of the growing season. While some producers are willing to wait until late spring or early summer to purchase feeder calves, many others are willing to buy cattle throughout the year. As pastures begin to green, many operations will place calves. Stocker operators must keep an eye on market trends, as well as the price of their stockers.
Keeping feeder calves isolated
There is a common misconception that feeding feeder calves will reduce the risk of developing BRD. In fact, there is very little data supporting this theory. Nevertheless, early separation from their mother alters the immune response to the host microbiota. It is important to keep feeder calves isolated when raising them so that no aggressive or territorial animals will crowd the other. However, feeding feeder calves a supplemental diet of grass hay can significantly reduce the risk of BRD.
When raising feeder calves, you should consider keeping them separated from other livestock for at least three weeks. This will help reduce the chance of spreading disease and will also help you reduce the risk of nutrition problems and diseases. A proper receiving program for your feeder calves can be developed by Extension professionals or veterinarians. In addition to helping to minimize the risk of disease, keeping feeder calves isolated is an important part of your biosecurity plan.
