Grain feed question

stifflej · #1 10/06/08, 08:32 AM

I saw in other forums here different peoples feed mix, but could not find one here. I will be ordering about a ton of grain mix feed, and was wondering what other experienced people use in their grain mix. If possible, would also like to be able to use it for pigs in the spring. Will be feeding a couple Angus calves this winter. Also, any recommendations as to how much of this mix I should feed each calf per day would be great. When I talked to my local feed mill, he said the stuff they usually mix contains about 14-16% protein. Planning on a late fall/early winter 2009 butchering. The calves are currently about 4 months old.

Thanks in advance.

Up North · #2 10/07/08, 11:44 AM

Just a note that if you wish to use one feed mix for both cattle and hogs, one needs to be careful of the salt content of feed mix. To be safe to feed to hogs, the feed mix cannot exceed 1% salt content.
Our feed mix is primarily commodity grains(Corn or Milo) which must be rolled or cracked for efficient utilization when feeding to cattle or hogs. Soybean meal or alfalfa pellets can be used to boost protein levels if so desired.

The availability and cost of grain ingredients can vary by area. Do some asking and determine what is available at your location and how cost compares. For example, Barley, Oats, Wheat are all good feedgrains in addition to Corn and Milo, but availability and price may determine what works best for you.

travlnusa · #3 10/12/08, 08:39 PM

As UpNorth stated watch for minerals.

When you order, have them keep all minerals out of feed. Buy what minerals you need for each critter.

Sprinkle on top of their feed the daily needs of the mineral.

Greg H. · #4 10/13/08, 10:50 AM

Is there not a basic level of minerals that almost all animals require - why not add just that amount to the basic ration and then as other animals need more give it to them rather than giving it separately each time you feed?

Jay · #5 10/14/08, 09:49 AM

I leave my minerals out of the feed mix. I leave minerals out free-choice so each animal can take what they need every day.

Some will require more than others, just like people. Those who are in milk, or during the breeding season (bulls) might need more, same with extremely hot/cold weather.

Greg H. · #6 10/14/08, 10:37 AM

Doesn't this come back to the issue that one type of mineral may not be good for a given species while other need it - or is it a matter of dosage?

Jay · #7 10/14/08, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg H.

Doesn't this come back to the issue that one type of mineral may not be good for a given species while other need it - or is it a matter of dosage?

Some species need more/less of some minerals. This is why the mineral companies make different kinds for different species....they formulate across the board the average of what a particular species needs.

Greg H. · #8 10/14/08, 09:10 PM

So if you run cattle, swine, and sheep on the same pasture, do you just rely on them to stay out of each others mineral box?

sammyd · #9 10/14/08, 09:11 PM

If I was running that mix they would be rotated and on at different times, so the mineral box would be moved with each species.

Greg H. · #10 10/15/08, 09:31 AM

I have been hearing of folks ( small operations ) that have been pasturing cattle and hogs together, and that is why I asked.

I can't help but wonder if adding minerals is a local thing - to make up for local soil inadequacies. The reason I say this, is I have tried giving my rabbits, mineral spools, but I never saw any indication that they ever made use of them, and I have heard other folks say as much about their animals - they just never seem to make use of minerals.

ozark_jewels · #11 10/15/08, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg H.

they just never seem to make use of minerals.

Minerals are just like feeds. There are good ones, mediocre ones and bad ones. Animals usually don't eat a *lot* of mineral, but they should nab some every once in a while to meet their needs.
Put out small amounts at a time and keep them fresh. If your animals never touch it at all......I would try another mineral.
Generally in a mineral I look for lower salt content and higher copper and selenium. Thats for feeding goats and cattle.
You want salt, but not a lot of salt.
And if you put out minerals, you should take away all other forms of salt(salt block, etc).

francismilker · #12 10/15/08, 01:11 PM

Depending on what time of year it is, sometimes I have to cut salt into the bulk mineral feeder to keep them from devouring it. (sometimes as much as 50/50 mixture)

stifflej · #13 10/15/08, 01:27 PM

Soooo....If I use one of these (see link below), I could get the feed with no salt or minerals in it, give them this block, and all would be good????

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/...g=true&cFlag=1

ozark_jewels · #14 10/15/08, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francismilker

Depending on what time of year it is, sometimes I have to cut salt into the bulk mineral feeder to keep them from devouring it. (sometimes as much as 50/50 mixture)

If they do this, I figure they have a reason and need, so I let them have it. Yes, it hurts the wallet for a time, but other times they hardly touch it at all so it all balances out.

ozark_jewels · #15 10/15/08, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stifflej

Soooo....If I use one of these (see link below), I could get the feed with no salt or minerals in it, give them this block, and all would be good????

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/...g=true&cFlag=1

I would use a good loose mineral. Put out free-choice either in a covered feeder or inside their shelter where it will not get wet. After seeing the difference after switching from block to loose years ago, I will not buy another block.

agmantoo · #16 10/15/08, 06:14 PM

Grinding more feed than will be consumed in 4 to 6 weeks is not a good idea. A lot of the nutrient value is lost after grinding if the feed is not fed.

milkinpigs · #17 10/15/08, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agmantoo

Grinding more feed than will be consumed in 4 to 6 weeks is not a good idea. A lot of the nutrient value is lost after grinding if the feed is not fed.

Agman, I agree with you on not grinding too far ahead, but it's more a matter of keeping it fresh and not going sour or molding.

Depending on how it's stored could have a problem with mycotoxins.

Jay · #18 10/15/08, 09:54 PM

Great point, and keeps the bugs out---those mothy things can be royal pain!

stifflej · #19 10/16/08, 06:55 AM

How would you recommend it be stored to keep it fresh, keep the bugs out and eliminate the possibility of the toxins? I was considering putting it in garbage cans with tight lids, is this a good idea or not?

milkinpigs · #20 10/16/08, 07:38 AM

If you can get them to sack it, it will be easier to handle.

Trash cans or any other container is ok, just store where it can't get any moisture in it.Keep it dry as possible.