Need help on finishing a steer

[SlickTxMaine]

Hi, my son's steer weighs 1280 right now.  The show is at the end of February.  He still needs some finish.  What is the best weigh to add finish without significant weight gain?  Right now he is being fed finisher, beetpulp, steam flaked corn and vitafirm.  Any help is appreciated!!

 

[vc]

Try adding "Stabilized Rice Bran". One pound a feeding works for us.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

Thanks vc, is that pretty easy to find?  Do most feed stores / Co-ops carry it?

 

[chambero]

Use one of the fat supplements out there.  They are all about the same.  You can also try whole cottonseed - about two double handfulls twice a day.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

Would any of the supplements, cotton seed or stab. rice bran be any better than cooking corn?

 

[vc]

Stabilized Rice Bran is a supplement for horses, it runs between 15 to 20 percent plant based fats. has vitamin E and helps with the hair, I think they digest it better than some of the other fat supplements. We use the Natural GLO brand.

http://www.naturalglo.com/Feed-Guidelines

 

[shortyjock89]

I'd feed the rice bran and also cook some barley to get a smooth finish on him. 

 

[TottenClubCalves]

I'd feed the rice bran and also cook some barley to get a smooth finish on him. 

agree, the barley will really help put a smooth finish on him without alot of weight gain for sure.

 

[kobo_ranch]

While on the subject, one of our steers is real smooth when you run your hand down the side of him...
the other run has ripples of skin and can still feel just barely the ribs?  He is pretty heavy at around 1350 so does he need more finishing or what??
And what do you recommend.

 

[BrechtCattleCo]

There is a chery flavored 90 percent fat oil I think sullivans might have some. It does a great jod it will add fat coverage and bloom. It works great and the chery flavoring makes them want to eat it unlike some other stuff.

 

[Bulldaddy]

When my kids feed steers a few years ago, we would increase the flaked corn a bit to get the right finish.  It seemed to work as they always made the sale and once won grand.  Maybe too simple an answer but it worked for us.

 

[debtramm]

I think we also have a similar situation with the ripples and not getting a smooth finish.  Daughter's steer is weighing 1290 and we have 30 days to go.  Is 30 days enough time to get the desired smooth finish?

I read the posts about barley.  Can someone give additional info on feeding the Barley?  Like  how much to begin with and what amount do you work up too?  Do you just add the barley to the current ration? 

Thank so much.  Gator Mom

 

[AAOK]

Hi, my son's steer weighs 1280 right now.  The show is at the end of February.  He still needs some finish.  What is the best weigh to add finish without significant weight gain?  Right now he is being fed finisher, beetpulp, steam flaked corn and vitafirm.  Any help is appreciated!!

Another link:  http://www.admani.com/AllianceEquine/NaturalGlo.htm

We started using NaturalGlo in 1996 with our heifers to add muscle, not just fat.  It stimulates a natural occurring steroid which produces muscle.  A residual benefit is what the highly palatable  high fat does to the hair coat.

 

[CJC]

Read this. http://www.naturalsolutionsforlivestock.com/prod_glucoat.html

 

[CJC]

Hi, my son's steer weighs 1280 right now.  The show is at the end of February.  He still needs some finish.  What is the best weigh to add finish without significant weight gain?  Right now he is being fed finisher, beetpulp, steam flaked corn and vitafirm.  Any help is appreciated!!

Another link:  http://www.admani.com/AllianceEquine/NaturalGlo.htm

We started using NaturalGlo in 1996 with our heifers to add muscle, not just fat.  It stimulates a natural occurring steroid which produces muscle.  A residual benefit is what the highly palatable  high fat does to the hair coat.

AAOK

How much of that where you feeding your heifers?

 

[AAOK]

Most always, 1 pound a day (1/2 lb. at each feeding).  I have gone as high as 2 pounds a day.

 

[CJC]

Most always, 1 pound a day (1/2 lb. at each feeding).  I have gone as high as 2 pounds a day.

Thanks

 

[SlickTxMaine]

I'd feed the rice bran and also cook some barley to get a smooth finish on him. 

agree, the barley will really help put a smooth finish on him without alot of weight gain for sure.

How much barley would you feed per day or per feeding?