First timer

[Lemonhead7233]

So says the subject heading anyways. Just bought and received my first steer on Saturday. He is angus/brangus cross great looking animal however iam worried he is bummed out being at his new home. My caretaker said he has eaten very little (figured I start easy with bermuda hay) over the two days he has been with us. So my question is whether this is normal? How many days do cows usually need to get comfortable? Or should I integrate a more palletable feed? I just figured I would free choice him with grass hay for a few months then start with grain. Any feedback would be great thanks.

 

[vc]

What are your intentions for this animal?

 

[Lemonhead7233]

Going to feed him out. He is a freezer steer. Just thought I would free feed him grass hay then integrate grain

 

[vc]

Grass hay is not going to do much for him as far as putting beef on him. If you are trying to raise him economically, I would work him up to at least 8 pounds of beef developer a day slowly starting with 2 pounds a day and increase it a pound every few days, I would get him a protein mineral tub to go with the grass hay.
Calves fed a low nutrition diet do not really put the meat on, if you do not give the nutrition they need as they develop they will fall short in the end. You will not get a good return on your investment. You do not have to poor the feed to them early but you do need to feed them a balanced diet.

As far as settling down it takes some time, feed him regularly, let him know your are the source of his food and he should settle down in about a weeks time.

 

[Lemonhead7233]

I figured grass hay would be safe until he gets situated. I did get him a red block from him to lick on. Thanks for the input. I also am finding he out he is picky eater. We have him a little alafalfa and he gobbled it right up.

 

[Lemonhead7233]

Also I think I am going to a lower quality alafalfa and then add some grain.

 

[vc]

That would be better than grass hay. The red block is not really going to give him the minerals he needs, I would look into a protein tub, they cost a little more but will do much more for him then the red mineral block.

 

[Lemonhead7233]

Thanks again. I just was afraid to use alafalfa because of the bloat I'll just make sure its a lower quality than the stuff for horses. We go ahead and get a protein tub

 

[Lemonhead7233]

Also will he still need a protein tub even with alfalfa. I figured alfalfa will have ample protein