Show Feed Ration

[DMAF]

I need some help.  I have been jumping around trying to find an efficient show feed for my heifers.  I currently am using a really good show feed from our local elevator that is custom mixed and the calves are doing very well.  The downside is it is costing me a fortune.  The feed contains corn, oats, cottonseed hulls molasses, beet pulp the norm. 

I was wondering what everyone else uses that works well but is more cost effective.  Any help would be appreciated.

 

[kanshow]

Well, first of all.. seems like all feeds are pretty pricey right now.   Ours did come down a little since the corn price has dropped.   What is your base or premix ingredient?   There are some that are far more expensive than others &  probably about the same.    Can you handle it in  bulk or do you have to have it bagged?  Bagging has gone up in price.   Last year, we mixed our own on the farm and that is probably the cheapest way to go but not everyone has that capability.    Otherwise those are pretty standard ration ingredients.

 

[renegade]

I think we need to clump all of the feed discussions together and put them in the hall of fame because it is always helpful, full of info, and it comes up alot

 

[LazyGLowlines]

We use a custom mix from our local mill, 40% rolled corn,40% oats, 10% cotton seed, 10% beet pulp. We don't use molasses as it adds to much wet weight and we get more dry material per ton( if that makes sense) . The calves all love it! We also use protein tubs that do have molasses and minerals in them.

 

[AAOK]

I am posting the Feed Program and Ration our family developed several years ago.  I have shared this with many through the years, and can verify at least 50 families which use this mix exclusively.  It works very well for Show Steers and larger framed Show Heifers.  This ration will get a pud too fat in a hurry.  It is also relatively inexpensive.  If you try our program, please keep me informed on how it's working.  I'm always interested in hearing the results.
In HIS grip,
Dan

ASKLUND ACRES program for feeding show calves.
www.clubcalves.com/asklundhome.htm

1.  Calves should be fed twice a day, the same time each day. Optimum is 6:00am & 6:00pm.

2.  Calves should be haltered and tied next to each other.... close enough to see each other eat, but far enough apart to not be able to reach one another's feed.

3.  After 15 minutes, they should be pulled from their feed, and the feed cleaned up.
(this teaches them to eat all their food quickly. Sure comes in handy at shows)

4.  Measure feed by pounds, not scoops.  They should eat 10 - 15 pounds of feed, twice daily, depending on the size of the calf.

5.  Make hay or pasture available year round.  I recommend small area containment from morning feeding to evening feeding, rinsing, brushing and showmanship work.

6.  Turn into larger area pasture with hay or grass for the night.  Make sure there is plenty of room to exercise.

Now here is our ration, per ton

1200 lbs. cracked corn
400 lbs. cotton seed hulls
200 lbs. whole oats
100 lbs. soy bean meal
100 lbs. molasses

I top dress each calf 1 oz. per feeding ADM/Alliance chlortetracycline medicated mineral.  The mineral additive is not optional.  No ration will work without a quality mineral program.  On the occasional need for a fat additive, I use ADM’s Natural Glo.  This is a 100% extruded rice bran developed for Race Horses.  1 pound per head per day.  It will increase muscle, hair & quality of hair coat.

 

[braunvieh]

Was wondering what do you feed calves on a starter/weaning ration? Not necessarily show calves, just weaned calves, when you don't have a silage or other option but hay to feed.  thanks

 

[AAOK]

Was wondering what do you feed calves on a starter/weaning ration? Not necessarily show calves, just weaned calves, when you don't have a silage or other option but hay to feed.  thanks

We have always fed our Show Ration to everything; weaning calves, bulls, & as the winter supplement for the cows.  I always liked to keep things fat.  It sure creates a positive impression on one's customers.

 

[simtal]

ever had any problems with fertility with all those hulls?

I'm guessing you haven't.

 

[farwest]

My decision would weigh heavily on how many your feeding, if only feeding a couple i think your just a bout as well off to go with a bagged feed such as high noon, showmaster,purina or one of them.  By the time the coop get done raking you around on mixing and grinding it comes to almost as much and doesn't become that much of a dollar difference if your only feeding a couple, however if you've go quite a few i can see some definite savings.

 

[AAOK]

ever had any problems with fertility with all those hulls?

I'm guessing you haven't.

In over 10 years, NEVER a fertility problem!  I think Cottonseed Hulls = fertility problems is just another urban legend.

 

[DMAF]

I appreciate all the input.  I took the advice from everyone's input and put it to work today.  Our elevator currently has a show feed that is quite nice and comparable to the Showmaster type feeds.  We are feeding 12 show animals and we are feeding these with the bagged feed.  I made a phone call to the same elevator that we are currently doing business with and got  a feed ration that is similar to what I am getting now for 45% less.  Talk about a mark up because the bag says beef show feed.  Thanks for everyone's help.  It has really saved me some significant money.  Now we can spend more on Hay!!! 

 

[AAOK]

The bagged Show Feed your elevator is selling has just been passed through too many hands.  I'll bet the elevator is making no more than 10%.  They will probably have twice the margin in the feed they mix for you.