muggssy said:
We have a calf that weighs 1155 today (May 3). Our county show is in the middle of August. He has cover, but it feels kind of hard to the touch if that makes any sense. He is a little tight in the flank, would like for him to be a little deeper there. We were shooting for a weight of about 1350. I've heard 2 schools of thought, both from very well respected, successful steer guys. One said to feed 3 lbs. feed and 3 lbs. beet pulp twice a day. The other suggested mixing rolled or cracked corn with the feed and cutting roughage. I've heard that too much corn burns hair?!? Anyways, I was hoping to get some suggestions from the sp crew
. What do ya think?
#1) Myself personally, I would not attempt to slow him down too much yet. You have 100 days (give or take) to gain 200 lbs. that's 2 lbs. per day. Plus, the calf can be, and may be, shrunk a little before weigh in. Weigh him every 2-3 weeks & evaluate where you stand. I'd rather go in a little heavy, than a little light, as it's much easier to take off a little than it is to put it on at the last second. Regardless, I would have him eating a good amount the final 2 weeks... you want him looking fresh.
#2) Feeding beet pulp will help to deepen the flank. Cutting the roughage will not help the flank, IMHO. I think feeding 6 lbs. of beet pulp a day sounds like a good plan. I think that I'd feed more than 6 lbs. of feed per day with it though. If he's ahead of schedule in a month, cut him back a little.
#3) Too much corn can burn the hair.
#4) If you want a little softer cover or more cover, add a little oil/increase the fat content. Just don't get too carried away or they will get loose.
#5) I am not a feed expert, so you may want to speak with one.
