Question for beet pulp fans.....

[SlickTxMaine]

The last two years we have fed our steer a complete finisher (Nutrena) and beet pulp from the start.  About half and half, adjusted back and forth as needed.  We top dressed with Sure Champ pellets.  This year the man we purchased our steer from recommended we mix our own ration, which we have done.  The ration consists of corn, cotton seed hull, oats, barley, alf. pellets, cotton seed meal...., but no beet pulp.  Should we be adding beet pulp?  The steer is a Charlaois- Angus cross and appears small for his age, weighs 450lbs and was born in September.  What do you all think??

 

[BCCC]

You don't need beet pulp in a grower ration, especailly not if you are really wanting him to grow.

 

[vc]

We use beet pulp as a filler when holding calves or trying to get that full look for shows. I know some of the sack feeds have it in them but it is usually in low volumes.
I would say the ration you a looking at does not need beet pulp.

 

[The Show]

I wouldn't give it to him unless you are trying to hold him or blow him out.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

Thanks all. The last two years, like I said we fed it from start to finish, and this year the breeder we purchased our steer from said not at all.  Just wanted some other opinions. 

 

[OH Breeder]

We have always fed beet pulp in our ration. Like you we vary the amount accordingly. Beet Pulp has more engery than grass hay. We use beet pulp in the ration to help cool it down. Corn is obviously hot hot. Beet pulp will not effect blood glucose levels like corn will. Beet pulp does not contain excessive protein either. It makes for a good balance in a feed ration. Beet pulp contains acceptable levels of calcium and phosphorous not enough to stop feeding alfafa but keep that mind when mixing your ration.
I say talk to your feed guy. feed small amounts it will not hurt at all.

JMO

 

[chambero]

Charolais steers tend to be harder doing than most black crossbred steers.  Based on that alone I wouldn't worry about the beet pulp. 

You aren't way behind with a 450 lb calf.  Charolais-X steers tend to gain a little faster anyway.

I've never fed half and half unless really holding one.  The most pulp we'd typically feed on one we were holding long term would be about one part pulp to three parts feed.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

Charolais steers tend to be harder doing than most black crossbred steers.  Based on that alone I wouldn't worry about the beet pulp. 

You aren't way behind with a 450 lb calf.  Charolais-X steers tend to gain a little faster anyway.

I've never fed half and half unless really holding one.  The most pulp we'd typically feed on one we were holding long term would be about one part pulp to three parts feed.

Seems like we have had trouble with them getting too heavy -  1450lbs, but not having enough finish.  This is a smaller calf for us to start, and a completely different breed.  We have had Maines the last two years.  The sire is  Bar A Mojito, not seen any of his calves, so curious how he will turn our for us.  I'll have to post a pic later. 

 

[mooch]

If you continue with that ration all the way through you will have trouble getting enough finish on this one also. There is a lot of fiber in your ration.you will need to keep increasing the energy (carbs) in your ration as your steer matures.A good feed salesman will be able to help you formulate your ration at different phases to help get  the proper finish in the end .

 

[SlickTxMaine]

We plan to up the corn and barley for finishing and/or maybe add stab. rice bran.