How much feed for a calf.

nchobbyfarm · #1 02/19/12, 07:48 PM

I have finally bit the bullet and bought 2 heifer calves. One is 264 lbs. and the other is 352. I have had them in the pen for 2 full days. They have had all the hay they want and I have only put a pound of 16% pellet feed in to make sure that both were eating and they are. How much of the 16% feed should I give them each afternoon to maximize growth? Should I ramp up the feed or just start giving them a large amount?

birdman1 · #2 02/19/12, 08:15 PM

not knowing what they were eating befor you got them or what type of cattle they are ;increase the grain ration gradulay till about 4 pounds a day watch there manure if they bigen to scour (diareia) cut back on the pellets ,My last calf could eat 5-6 pounds of horse sweet feed 12% no problems but the 16% dairy pellets would give him the squirts . watch there condition a lot also depends on the quality of the hay. prosede with caution no rapid changes the old saying always holds tru let the eye of the master fatten the stock

nchobbyfarm · #3 02/20/12, 05:47 PM

They are angus or angus X. They appeared very calm today so I moved the bunk feeder out of the corral and let them out into the 2 acres center pasture/enclosure. They began grazing on the fescue immediately and did not even show any interest in the feed. I guess they will be ok. I gave them 4 pounds for them both. Time will tell.

topside1 · #4 02/21/12, 08:01 AM

Without looking at my notes, any ruminant needs at a minimum a diet of 60% roughage 40% grains based on 3% of it's body weight. If you go beyond these numbers deeper into grain you are asking for trouble. So your cattle @ 300# need a daily intake of 9 pounds of dry matter into their gut for maintenance and growth. So roughly 6# of roughage and 4# of grain. I do not recommend feeding that ratio, I would feed 8# roughage and 2# grain. Feed a high protein mix as your calves are still growing in mass...Topside

nchobbyfarm · #5 02/27/12, 07:38 PM

Thanks for the replies. I am leaving them free choice hay and have worked them up to 6 pounds of 16% feed for the pair. They are getting used to me and have learned what the bucket contains. So far so good.