Feed Consumption by % of Body Weight
Feeder cattle’s feed consumption varies based on their growth stage and body weight. As they progress through different stages, their dietary needs change to support optimal growth and health.
- Calf Stage (0-6 Months)
- Feed Consumption: In cases where supplemental feeding is necessary, calves at this stage consume approximately 10-12% of their body weight in milk replacer and starter feed per day. Kawmix Calf Starter (20% Protein, 2.75% Fat, 6% Fiber) helps meet their nutritional needs and supports rapid growth.
- Weaning Stage (4-6 Months)
- Feed Consumption: Weanling calves consume around 2-3% of their body weight in feed per day. Kawmix Calf Grower (16% Protein) continues to provide necessary nutrients for growth and development. Free choice hay should also be provided at all times.
- Growing Stage (6-12 Months)
- Feed Consumption: Growing calves consume about 2-2.5% of their body weight in feed per day. They are fed Kawmix Calf Grower.
- Finishing Stage (12 Months and Beyond)
- Feed Consumption: Finishing cattle consume approximately 2-2.5% of their body weight in feed per day. They are provided with Kawmix Cattle Fattener (10% Protein, 3% Fat, 6% Fiber) and quality hay to promote weight gain and meat quality. Kawmix 32% Supplement Pellet (32% Protein, 1% Fat, 6% Fiber) can be added to boost protein intake as needed.
18%, and Premier Goat 17%. This helps to maintain urinary health and prevent the formation of stones.
Cattle husbandry involves the management and care of cattle for purposes such as meat, milk, and leather production. It includes essential practices like feeding, breeding, housing, and health management to ensure the well-being and productivity of the herd. Proper cattle husbandry maximizes output, maintains herd health, and provides sustainable farming practices. It also plays a crucial role in animal welfare and the efficient use of resources.
Breeding & Calving
The lifecycle of beef cattle begins with breeding and calving. Cows (female cattle) are typically bred to calve in the spring or fall, with a gestation period of about nine months. During pregnancy, cows have a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and sufficient energy to support fetal development. This diet should primarily consist of quality hay and grass forage. If there isn’t enough forage available to support the cow during pregnancy, provide a high-protein cattle feed such as Kawmix DairyPro – Lactating Cattle and Goat feed (16% protein, 3% fat, and 5% fiber) to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. It’s still essential to provide the cow access to hay or grass forage (even low quality) so that she has an adequate digestible fiber in her diet.
Weaning: 4-6 Mos
Around six months of age (400 to 600 lbs), calves are weaned off the cow. Beef calves’ ration should include quality hay, Kawmix Calf Grower (16% Protein, particular order only), or a blend of chopped corn and Kawmix Cattle Supplement Pellet 32%. Blend to achieve a final protein content of around 16%.
Growing: 6-12 MoS
As calves grow (600 to 1000 lbs), their nutrition requirement shifts to less protein and more energy content. During the growing stage, calves eat approximately 2 to 2.5 percent of their body weight. As the calves’ food consumption increases, the grams of protein they consume also go up. As a result, the amount of protein per pound of feed can be less. They may continue to be fed Kawmix Calf Grower or a custom-blended 16% ration and will be provided with free choice quality hay. During this phase, calves should gain approximately 2 to 3 lbs daily.
Finishing: 12 Mos +
During the finishing stage, cattle are prepared for market or other purposes. Most beef breeds of cattle in the United States are finished growing and considered to have sufficient fat and marbling characteristics in their meat at around 1,200 to 1,400 pounds. The calves’ ration may include Kawmix Cattle Fattener (10% Protein, 3% Fat, 6% Fiber) or Kawmix Jump Start Forage Maximizer (12% Protein, 3.25% Fat, 15% Fiber) along with free choice quality hay. The ratio is adjusted to ensure efficient growth and proper development until they reach the desired market weight. Kawmix 32% Supplement Pellet can be added to their diet to boost protein intake.
Adult Breeding Stock- Heifers, Cows, and Bulls
Once cattle are fully mature, their nutritional needs change based on their specific roles:
- Breeding Stock (Cows and Bulls): Adult breeding cattle require a balanced diet to maintain their health and support reproductive performance. They are typically fed quality hay and occasionally a supplement feed to provide protein and energy they may lack. Supplement feed may be fed as lick tubs, liquid supplements, or range cubes, or cattle may be bunk-fed the appropriate Kawmix feed.
- Heifers: Young female cattle that still need to calve. Heifers are fed to ensure proper growth and development to prepare them for breeding. Heifers are typically bred at around 12 to 14 months of age. A diet of quality hay and Kawmix Kawvel (13% protein, 3% fat, 4.5% fiber) helps maintain their health and support growth.
Raising a healthy, efficient, and quality beef cattle herd requires a combination of good-quality genetics, a defined breeding program, a quality source of forage (hay and grass), a proactive vaccination program, and attention to detail when feeding. Maintaining the herd’s ideal body condition is crucial for optimizing reproductive performance and health. Regular monitoring of body condition scores (BCS) allows for timely adjustments in nutrition, ensuring that cattle receive the right balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. By focusing on these aspects, producers can enhance the productivity and longevity of their cattle, leading to a more profitable and sustainable operation.
Importance of Minerals & Salt
Provide free-choice minerals and free-choice salt designed for beef cattle. These supplements ensure that cattle receive the necessary minerals for their development and overall health. They help prevent deficiencies leading to health issues and support various physiological functions, including digestion, metabolism, and reproductive health.
Clean water should always be available throughout each stage, and feed formulations are adjusted based on the specific needs of the cattle, environmental conditions, and overall management practices. The focus is on promoting optimal growth, health, and productivity tailored to the cattle’s age and purpose, whether for breeding or market production.
