Question: I just bought a steer weighing approximately 750 lbs. He currently will not eat the Fitters Edge Show Chow so I am currently feeding him Purina’s Precon Chow to get him started. He is only eating approximately 5 lbs per day plus hay. What do you recommend to increase his consumption?
Answer: Lynn,
Thank you for contacting the Better Animals Website!
What is the past nutrition history of your newly purchased steer? Had he been on feed prior to your taking ownership?
I think the Preconditioning/Receiving Chow (PCRC) product is an excellent place to start. You need to be feeding him 5 lbs. in the morning, and 5 lbs. at night along with 4-5 lbs. of medium quality grass hay. How much hay are you offering him at this time? If he is getting free choice hay that may be affecting his grain consumption. Once he is eating the PCRC good (cleaning it up), begin to transition him over to the Fitter’s Edge.
100% PCRC: 0% Fitter’s Edge for 10 to 14 days
75% PCRC: 25% Fitter’s Edge for 3 to 5 days
50% PCRC: 50% Fitter’s Edge for 3 to 5 days
25% PCRC: 75% Fitter’s Edge for 3 to 5 days
0% PCRC: 100% Fitter’s Edge
Continue to feed 4 to 5 lbs. of grass hay through these steps. Please make sure the water source for the steer is clean (would you drink it?).
What size of pen or pasture is the steer in at this time? Does it have any forage growing in that pen or pasture that he may be getting full on? Does the steer look full and healthy (alert)?
I think you will be able to increase consumption quicker in more of a dry lot environment where you control everything that he can eat.
We thank you for your business! Please let me know if you continue to have any challenges, and best of luck with your 2008 Show Season!
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Consulting Beef Nutritionist - Mountain States and Pacific Northwest
Question: I went to a cattle grooming seminar a year or so ago presented by Kirk Stierwalt but can’t remember some specifics. He mentioned washing his cattle with ice cold water to help them grow/maintain hair through the summer. I was hoping to find out when this should be done, 60 days prior to the show, or starting in March/April while the weather is still cool. The calves are only to be shown in August in Nebraska. Please advise on this matter. Thanks!
Answer: I would recommend 60 days out as to target those cattle more. We only use
this method if the cattle are not responsing to routine rinsing. Thanks and good luck!
Question: Our fair is in September and we had our weigh on March 1st. My son has a steer that weighed in at 880 lbs. How much feed should we be feeding him without finishing him too soon? We are also feeding him a grass hay but he has a little ‘gut’ on him. Should we stop feeding the hay? How do we get the gut off of him?
Answer: Stacie,
Thank you for contacting the Better Animals Website!
I had to make a few assumptions along the way…
If your steers has the frame and genetics to finish at 1,345 pounds, he needs to gain 465 lbs. in 210 days. We are looking at a needed average daily gain between 2.0-2.5 lb/d. You need to make the decision on what your family is the most comfortable with… (1) feed him now so he is market ready by September, and possibly need to hold him later, (2) moderate his intake and gain now, and take the chance he will eat good during the heat of the summer and finish as desired, or (3) try to accomplish a combination of 1 and 2.
What are you feeding him now? How much grain, and hay, are you feeding him now?
Based on your question, it sounds like he is consuming a fairly large quantity of hay.
I would recommend feeding our Show Chow Fitter’s Edge. I would feed 17-20 lbs of the grain (half in the a.m., half in the p.m.) along with 6-10 pounds of medium quality grass hay per day. Continue to monitor his weight and average daily gain (weigh him at least monthly). You could probably use this same feed up until September, but that will depend on his genetics, frame size, etc. Depending on your current feeding program, my recommendation may/may not change his current “hay belly.” Lastly, please make sure his water source is clean (would you drink the water?).
Please let me know if you have any further questions at this time, or later into the summer. Best of luck to you and your family with the 2008 show season!
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Consulting Beef Nutritionist - Mountain States and Pacific Northwest
Question: Hi! I have been reading some of the questions that have been sent in to you and your answers. I would like to find out more about Oasis and where it is available to purchase. Thanks!
Answer: Tammy,
Oasis is a product that was originally made for hatchlings to provide them baseline nutrition, moisture and a health defense mechanism in the first hours/days of life.
I have performed some research with the product and determined there to be a benefit to growing birds.
The mode of action for Oasis is:
The product is green in color and green attracts birds to make them want to eat. This encourages more feed consumption
The product contains Citric, Propionic and Sorbic Acid that reduces the pH level of the birds GI Tract. This allows for better nutrient absorption and less waste through the manure
The product contains 25% moisture. This allows the birds to maintain moisture in their moth as they consume feed
Oasis can be ordered through me and I can ship you what you need.
A broiler flock will require one bag of product.
A turkey flock will require at least three bags of product.
Question: We are looking for a feed ration for a few Hereford show heifers ranging in age from 8 to 13 months. The heifers may be shown a bit this spring, but our target shows are in July and August. Our goal is lean growth and development without getting them over conditioned. We have access to virtually all feedstuffs including corn, oats, rolled barley, cottonseed hulls, beet pulp, liquid molasses, etc, as well as Purina products including Grand 4-T-Fyer. The cattle will also be fed medium quality grass-mix hay. The heifers are generally fed individually, so we can adjust feeding amounts accordingly. We are not looking for the least cost ration, since we will only feed it to a few cattle, just the best ration for our situation and goals. Thank you.
Answer: Peyton,
Thank you for contacting the Better Animals Website!
Considering your access to multiple feed ingredients, I would consider a ration like the one below:
Obviously, these inclusions can be changed per your liking (with the exception of the Show Chow Grand 4-T-Fyer). I think this ration will help you obtain your goals for lean development and growth without excessive body condition for a breeding heifer. You could feed 15-20 pounds of this mix (half in the a.m., half in the p.m.) along with free choice medium quality grass hay and/or grass in the loafing/exercise trap. Please make sure you double check your water source to make sure it is clean (would you drink the water?).
I am confident you will be pleased with this ration, and I would be more than happy to visit with you if you have any additional questions or concerns. I wish you and your family the best of luck with your 2008 show season.
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Question: We are feeding Grand T 4 beef to 4 market steers We are using E on the scale. Do we need to change the mixture as we go? They have been on it for 3 months. We would like to add barley at some point and what percentage should we feed the cottonseed and beet pulp with the barley added? Our show is the last week in July. Our target weight is between 1250lbs and 1350 lbs. They weigh in the range of 875 lbs-1000 lbs now. Thanks!!!
Answer: NaKol,
Thank you for contacting the Better Animals Website!
Do you know how much your steers are gaining on the current ration? How many pounds of feed are you feeding?
Assuming the calves weigh 925 now, and they will need to weigh 1,350 in July, they need to gain 425 pounds in 165 days or 2.6 lbs/d. I think it is fair to assume that feed intake will decline as the heat and humidity of summer approaches. I think your current ration is fine (assuming you are satisfied with their current performance). If you are looking to make some changes, you may want to consider the ration below:
I would feed 20-22 lbs of this ration (half in the a.m., half in the p.m.) plus 2-4 lbs. of medium quality grass hay. Lastly, please make sure your water source is clean (would you drink it?).
Please continue to monitor the gain and condition of the steers as your target show approaches. We can adjust the corn, barley and oat ratio at that time if needed. Please stay in touch, and best of luck with your 2008 show season!
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Question: I was wondering how to get a steer to gain more weight without running of the bowels. Also, my friend has show cattle and he was telling me about a product that will help your steer grow hair but he didn’t tell me the name of it. I was wondering if you know of any product like it and if you do, where could i find it? And if it would hurt the meat of my market steer?
Answer: Rachel,
Thank you for contacting the Better Animals Website!
What are you feeding at the time? How many pounds of feed are you feeding? How much hay are you feeding?
If I understand your question correctly, you are having some issues with loose stools with your beef project. Many things can possibly be affecting the stool consistency of your steer. It could be a feed related issue, or other things such as management (inconsistent feeding schedule), stress, weather change, or a health challenge.
I would recommend the use of Purina’s Show Chow Finishing Touch. This product will help you obtain the average daily gain you are seeking. Without knowing your current feeding program, please transition to the Finishing Touch as follows:
75% current ration: 25% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
50% current ration: 50% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
25% current ration: 75% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
0% current ration: 100% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
Assuming your steer is weighing 600-800 lbs now, work him up to 18-21 lbs of feed (half of this amount in the a.m., the other half in the p.m.). Feed him 2-4 lbs of medium quality grass hay (1 flake night and morning) after his grain, and make sure your water source in clean (would you drink it?). Please weigh your steer at least monthly to monitor his gain. If this program does not work for you, please let us know so we can re-evaluate the situation at that time.
Regarding products that will help with hair growth… My first thought is hair coat quality and quantity is determined by the genetics of your steer. In addition, the amount of effort you put forth will also make a huge difference. Keep him clean. Wash/rinse your steer (weather permitting this time of year depending on your facilities to wash/rinse in the cold) as frequently as possible, brush/blow him dry (spend 1-3 hours), and keep him out of the sun. A quality base ration will also come into play. The Show Chow Finishing Touch is formulated with an extruded fat nugget and full rate Zinpro Performance Trace Minerals, both of which will enhance hair coat quality. There are additional supplements available in the market. You could ask your friend specifically which product he was referring to, or you could contact your local Show Supply retailer, or visit the website for Sullivan Show Supplies. Those products would not have a negative effect or create concerns with Meat Quality Assurance to my knowledge.
Please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you in the future, and best of luck with your 2008 show season!
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Consulting Beef Nutritionist - Mountain States and Pacific Northwest
Question: We have our first angus show steer. He is 600 lbs and 8 months old. We are feeding fitters edge at 14% protein. Some people have told us we should be at 11-12%. What do you recommend?
Answer: Steve,
Thank you for contacting the Better Animals Website! Congratulations also on your first market beef project!
The Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (Seventh Revised Edition, 1996) recommends that a 660 lb steer (granted your steer weighs 600 vs. 660; that is intended to finish at 1,200 lbs; eating 18 lbs of dry matter or 21 lbs as fed; and gaining 3.04 lb/d) should be consuming at ration that is 13.0% Crude Protein on a dry matter basis or 11.3% Crude Protein on an as fed basis. This will provide 2.34 lb of Crude Protein per day (18 lbs * 0.13).
Regarding the people that you have been visiting with… and the 11-12%. You need to get clarification of that number regarding 11-12% Crude Protein on a dry matter basis (12 multiplied by 87% dry matter or 0.87 = 10.4% Crude Protein on a as fed basis) or 11-12% Crude Protein an as fed basis (12 divided by 87% dry matter or 0.87 = 13.8% Crude Protein on a dry matter basis).
As you stated, the Show Chow Fitter’s Edge tags with a MINIMUM of 14% Crude Protein on an as fed basis - which is actually a 16.1% Crude Protein on a dry matter basis. The feed is formulated to be fed at 15 lbs per day (on average, as fed, poured out of the bag). 15 lbs of feed * 0.14 = 2.1 lbs of Crude Protein per day. If you are currently feeding 18 lbs of feed * 0.14 = 2.5 lbs of Crude Protein per day. The take home for me… if you have been feeding between 15 and 18 lbs of Fitter’s Edge, you are right on!
I would encourage you to consider the following:
What is your steer gaining?
How much feed is he eating?
How many days is it until your target show?
What do you expect him to weigh based on his frame size and genetics at your target show?
How much does he need to gain per day to achieve the target weight?
If you expect him to finish (or weigh on show day) 1,250 lbs on August 11 (?, target show), he needs to gain 650 lbs in 171 days or 3.8 lb/d. With that in mind, I would recommend that you switch from the Fitter’s Edge to the Finishing Touch (please visit www.showchow.com for information on that product). Finishing Touch is slightly lower in crude protein, but significantly higher in fat (5.0%) or energy. This will help to promote a higher average daily gain and essentially the desired “finish.”
Please transition to the Finishing Touch as follows:
75% Fitter’s Edge: 25% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
50% Fitter’s Edge: 50% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
25% Fitter’s Edge: 75% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
0% Fitter’s Edge: 100% Finishing Touch for 3-5 days
I would recommend feeding 17-22 pounds per day, plus 2-4 pounds of medium quality grass hay, along with a clean source of free choice water.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. I wish you and your family the best of luck with your steer. I want to reassure you that our commitment to research, quality and consistency will help you obtain a successful project along with your families hard work and management.
Thank you,
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Consulting Beef Nutritionist - Mountain States and Pacific Northwest
Question: We have been feeding my son’s heifer fitters edge show chow every day since we brought her home. She is 13 months old now and we just got back from showing her in San Antonio and now she is not wanting to eat like she did prior to the show. We have been home almost a week now. Do you have any recommendations? I hate to change her feed. She placed 3rd in Ft. Worth and then 5th in San Antonio. Thanks for your help.
Answer: Meredith,
Thank you for contacting us at the Better Animals Website and congratulations on your recent success at Fort Worth and San Antonio!
So you have been home from the last show about a week, and now the heifers appetite seems to be somewhat less. What is going on?
1. Have you received a new delivery of feed, or is it still the same delivery she was eating fine prior to the show?
2. Do you have any other heifers/steers that you are feeding, and are they eating the same feed just fine at this time?
3. How many pounds of Fitter’s Edge is she actually eating? I would expect her to be eating 15-20 lbs.
4. Is it possible that she got “stressed” or “picked up a bug” while at the San Antonio show?
5. What does the heifers manure look like - stacking, loose, etc? Any changes over the last few weeks?
I would recommend reducing the pounds of Fitter’s Edge offered for a few days, and increase the amount of medium quality grass hay she is being fed. If she still does not consume this amount of feed, I would contact you local veterinarian to review her health status. Once she appears to be back on feed, increase her back to the desired amount by increasing her one pound of Fitter’s Edge every other day. Lastly, please make sure her water source is clean and in good condition.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. We appreciate your business, and wish you the best of luck for future success!
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC.
Consulting Beef Nutritionist - Mountain States and Pacific Northwest
Question: I have a shorthorn calf that i can’t break to lead. When we tie him up with his head up you can pet him and he’s like a puppy dog but i just can’t lead him around the barn, in his pen, or even from his pen to the scale. If you could help, that would be great. I have heard that if you tie a donkey to him, it will break him.Have you ever heard of that?
Thanks for taking time out of your day to read this. Thank you. I appreciate all your help. Thanks again.
Answer: Megan, I know thats a good question. First, are you using a rope halter? I think those are a poor choice on some calves. For tougher ones, we go to a chain halter and Sullivan also sells a breaking halter that is effective. When leading, we work in small areas and sometimes we will work along a fence and run them into the fence to slow them down. Then the calf starts to pay attention to the leader.
