Best Top Dress Supplement for Steers

[LD]

Wondering if anyone highly recommends a certain top dress supplement that they have used in the past or for the first time this year?  Mainly to add a great finish and add some shape to the top or round of the steer?  How long do you feed it and at what rate and what are the most noticeable differences you have seen?

We show dairy and beef steers and have seen some incredible shape to the stifle and round in especially the dairy steers we compete against.  I realize it starts with genetics and a good quality feed...  Wondering what might help give an extra edge


Thanks for your input

 

[Chuck Wagon]

R&D will add some to the top and Final Cover will put a layer of fat over the ribs.  Optichamp converts fat too muscle over the top in the ribeyes, it's paylean but is FDA approved for cattle  and is only useful the last 30 days.

You can implant and it may help but I prefer not to as it does more harm than good sometimes..

Chuck

 

[vc]

As far as a top dress for finish and cover, I would use Stabilized Rice Bran, It puts a smooth layer of cover on one, it does not burn them up, it helps keep the hair healthy and it is easy to feed. You start at a half pound a feeding (Twice a day) and work them up to 1 pound feeding, we fed it the last 45 days but you can feed it longer if the calf needs to catch up. 
If your steer has any type of structure issues no matter how slight I would stay away from the Optichamp type products, it can enhance their flaws as well.

 

[ferkj]

X2 rice bran.  Steamed rolled barley will also give you a smoother finish than corn will and also won't burn them out as much.  We add an extra 3-5 lbs per day in last 60 days if they are needing additional cover.
Any of they muscle enhancers will have they potential to cause structure issue worsening.

 

[Chuck Wagon]

I agree with the steamrolled barley, steers just love it.  I've had trouble with picky steers rejecting the rice bran, some just don't like the smell.  Yes, good point about structural issues, you have to be careful with Ractopamine.  When optachamp is used, I always drench daily with lubrizyn to make sure they get it and monitor for stiffness.  Any sign of that and it's pulled asap.  It's not to be used for the "dump and run" feeder