There are several factors to consider when selecting a show cattle feed ration. The first consideration is the ration’s composition. Many commercial feeds already contain a vitamin/mineral premix, so supplementation isn’t necessary. Similarly, some products are better than others, but all have some potential for show cattle. Remember that there is no “magic ingredient” that will make your cattle grow lustrous locks of hair. It takes knowledge, skill, and effort on the part of the showman.
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Growing ration
To increase growth and minimize fat content in a calf, feed the calf a growing ration for up to 15 days. The ration should be increased by 10% every five to seven days, depending on the calf’s weight. This diet is a very important part of the show preparation process and should be fed until the calf is ready for show. Depending on the length of time before the show, the calf may need as much as 100 or 120 days on the growing ration before it is ready for finishing.
When feeding steers, you should first calculate ADG and frame score. These two factors determine the steer’s final weight and the number of days before it is eligible to show. You can use an example calculation to find out what the proper feed amounts are for your calf. You should feed your calf about 14 lbs of dry feed per day with approximately 83% TDN and 15% crude protein. Once you know how much your steer needs, you can start offering it a growing ration.
Finishing ration
For the best results, feed your calves a finisher ration that is specifically designed for show cattle. Depending on the breed, you can use a variety of formulated products to meet your finishing needs. For example, Sunglo(r) Show Calf Finisher has been formulated to encourage calf consumption. In addition, Sunglo(r) 2 the Fullest ™ is designed to be fed at a rate of one to five pounds per head per day. To keep calf intake high, feed Sunglo(r) Show Calf Finisher at a rate of one to two percent of the daily diet. If the calf goes off feed suddenly, you may need to re-introduce the ration slowly. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about calf health.
Before switching to a finishing ration, your calf must adjust to eating from a bunk. This process requires adjusting the rumen microbes to digest grain. Typically, finishing rations contain 50 to 60% grain. To improve rumen health and reduce risk of digestive upsets, feed a high-quality digestible fiber byproduct feed to your calf. Achieving this goal requires a lot of planning.
Keeping records
Keeping records of show cattle feed ration information is an essential step in the beef production process. The cattle feed log can include weight, ration ingredients, how much is fed daily, and the days when you increase the amount of grain. You can also keep track of health status by monitoring the weight of each steer. It is important to monitor each steer’s weight and feed intake daily. You may find that one steer is not eating as much as another. This can lead to various feeding strategies.
Recording information on show cattle feed rations is an essential step in a thriving beef production operation. Recording data can support the farmer and advisors in making management decisions. The records should be easy to read and understand, but if you need additional information, you can supplement the records with notes or remarks. A record can support several purposes and provide valuable information to you and your advisors. If you are a seedstock producer, you can use the same recording system as a cattle farmer.
Managing intake
Managing intake of show cattle feed ration is critical to winning champion banners. Show cattle feed is specific to individual traits, growth rate, and condition. The right ration can lead to desired weight gain and maintain a healthy body weight. Managing intake of show cattle feed rations will ensure your cattle achieve the weight they were meant to achieve. To avoid feeding too much or too little, you must carefully observe the cattle’s intake throughout the day.
When adjusting a show calf’s intake, make sure that fresh water is available at all times and that the animal does not have any problems with health. Show calf feed rations are generally divided into growing and finishing phases. The growing stage of a show calf should have a hay-based diet with limited concentrates. Cattle that are not yet ready for show should receive a high-quality hay-based feed, along with mineral supplements.
