Another Feed Program Question...

[JKTex]

I realize this is a topic that tends to be too broad, gets close to giving away secrets or can bee seen as taking the easy way out of developing your own plan.  So I hope this greenhorn can pick up a little more info to help us with my daughters first steer!

Their adviser(s) guide them in feeding but we're in a pinch whereby the primary is off for the majority of the season, to too close to show dates.

Currently we're feeding Purina Fitters Edge which appears to me to be a good all around feed for those that aren't to the level of making their own ration.  The program has also been using Stand Alone.  Before we renew stock of Stand Alone, in looking into alternate supplements I've come across Sure Champ as well.  Cost is a big difference and we're at a point where we need to decide if it would be a benefit, other than less $$.

It seems that Sure Champ may provide some things that would be a benefit that SA either doesn't, or does in a smaller amount (also considering what FE has).  Hopefully someone can give us some guidance so we can make decisions.  The steer is looking good, gaining well but could use more development in the back end so we're looking for anything to to get the maximum muscle development his genetics will let us.  The heat is limiting exercise to some degree but we're doing what we can for now.

Thanks for whatever anyone can offer.  <beer>

 

[obie105]

Sure Champ is worth the money. Hopefully your steer is growing on Fitters Edge I had issues with mine not doing well on that feed. Look into AAOK feed ration on here. It is one of the most economical rations that can do the most good for you and be tweaked for where in the country you live.

 

[pweaver]

Sure Champ is a good supplement to enhance appetite, increase hair quality, and all-around better health.  Very economical is a great bonus.  I like AAOK's ration and have tweaked it to fit my expectations.  I usually lower the corn and cottonseed hulls some, and replace with soybean hulls.  I like the fullness the soy hulls give.  Now if your end-point is close, and finish is still needed, don't decrease the corn much, if any.  In this case, you might even replace some corn with rolled barley to cool the ration down in the hot weather so he wants to eat.

 

[Maci1]

We use Stand Alone and love the results! We have tried other products and never get the same results we do with stand alone. It also saves money because its the only product we need. Before we had to use 3-4 products to get the same results. Its newer, but everyone I know is switching to it.

 

[JKTex]

Thanks for the comments.

I discovered most of the SA in the feed room was bad, and the 1 that may not be is about as old as the rest.  From them, it sounds like it needs to be bought fresh and used immediately to avoid losing effectiveness.  I think I'm going to have our feed store order some Sure Champ for us to try and let the advisers decide what's best for the calves in the program.  Cost difference is pretty big.  If we do switch I may plan on the extra fat SA for 2 months before our target show.

Our steer has done great on Fitters Edge, although we don't have anything else to compare too.  He'd gained about 250 lbs in about 4 months and after getting settled in the barn has been very consistent in gain.  He's likely going to be somewhere in the 1200 lb range when she gets to what in my mind is her target, Houston, based on frame score, gain etc.  Assuming she'll make it to Houston,  it's my hope since that's where I grew up and will have family and of course a bunch of friends and relatives who are involved with HLSR down there.

That's why I'm concerned about supplements now, I'd like to get him switched and stabilized because at this rate I think he's set up really well for being right on target.

Maci1, I'm curious what other products you were using before that SA replaced and what your goal was with them?  Sure Champ even seems to be more complete for what it is compared to SA, unless there's more than I'm missing.  I ask because your comments are a little vague, and you almost sound like a commercial.  ;D

 

[Davidsonranch]

So we are wanting to look into Sure Champ next year.  Just curious can someone give me a rough estimate on cost per head per month if you use it like you are suppose to?

We have been using Diamond V yeast products for years.  A $30 bag goes a long way. 

 

[RyanChandler]

To increase weight gain, I would continually up the energy level of the ration before I would ever spend even 1 penny on a supplement. 

 

[Will]

So we are wanting to look into Sure Champ next year.  Just curious can someone give me a rough estimate on cost per head per month if you use it like you are suppose to?

We have been using Diamond V yeast products for years.  A $30 bag goes a long way.

Right now sure champ is costing me $0.66 per day for the heifers and $1.32 for the bull calves.  We also have diamond v yeast and a complete mineral package mixed into our ration.  You just need to let your local nutritionist know what you are feeding so they can balance not only the ration but the mineral package as well.  ( if you do not balance the mineral some of the minerals can bind up some of the other mineral and limit there effectiveness) I think a lot of people make feeding cattle more complicated than it really is, get them on a good consistant ration and feed at a consistant time every day.  Plus you need to make sure they have plenty of clean fresh water that is cool to drink.  We also give everything a dose of probios every Sunday night to keep all of the bugs alive.  Do not forget to provide some marginal quality hay that has some length to it.  This will help buffer the gut and keep the organism that help digest the feed alive and healthy. 

 

[AAOK]

Don't know your time schedule, but please know that ANY change in feed will take a week to 10 days for your calf to adjust. I would never change a ration within 30 days of a show, and 60 days would be better.

And, get this:I agree with XBAR.

 

[RSC]

We have had great luck with Fitters Edge. For a steer to get an even finish we add up to 1-1/2 lbs if Power Fuel to the diet the last 60-90 days. I'd transition him slowly up.