I really enjoyed reading this post - thanks for all the info. I need to learn more about this type of thing - exactly how much of each nutrient is needed, the correct percentages for all the nutrients, and the effects of all the different types of feed. I will have to customize my feed this year, and i really dont know what i should aim for or have incuded in my ration, or when to add beet pulp, cottonseed hulls, ect. The feed mills around here seem to know nothing about feeding show cattle - they dont offer much help. Is there a website i could read, or should i ask a feedlot manager,ect? Any ideas would be great - i love this type of stuff and realy need to learn more about it. For instance - this year i had 2 steers, similiar frame size, one with a more rugged big boned look and the other more refined and pretty. I feed mine cob( for lack of knowing what else to do) and though the more rugged one would need more feed. turns out the pretty one started growing in frame size,grew too tall, and didnt finish. The other gained more weight and less frame, and finished too early. I saw this happening, but didnt know what to change in thier feed. The pretty one had a bad appetite and needed more volume and a softer look, and the other one needs a firmer, fresher look. Im trying to learn now for next year so im prepared for stuff like this. I appreciate your help!! ;D