Basic feeding guidelines for steers

musky516 · #1 11/15/13, 04:16 PM

I am thinking about raising a steer for butcher and was wondering if someone could share with me the basic feeding guidelines thorough the course of there life.

dlskidmore · #2 11/15/13, 04:24 PM

You aiming for grass or grain finishing? How young are you starting? (Bottle calf or weaned?)

musky516 · #3 11/15/13, 04:49 PM

probably grain finished but i am open to grass finished also. Starting them weaned.

topside1 · #4 11/15/13, 06:27 PM

Musky, I'm sure you realize that a weaned beef calf will weigh between 400-800 pounds....Need more information....Topside

brew516 · #5 11/17/13, 05:00 PM

I know im planning on getting on thats about 600 pounds. What i need to know is how to feed them from this point to butcher

Gaduchman · #6 11/17/13, 07:12 PM

We grass feed only and sell all bull calves at 600-700lbs. No need feeding them any longer than necessary. Wiregrass is almost as good as alfalfa, tho I'd prefer the alfalfa.

Alaska · #7 11/27/13, 08:25 PM

WE fed out a steer till he was two yo last winter on grass/hay only. We were way happy. Better than the grass fed steaks from that old pitcher sells and we had purchased.
Now we have two steers 11 mo and 10mo old. Our freezer is getting bare.
What is the youngest age to butcher?
Has anyone fed Chaffhaye? I like it, the cows like it. And wonder if it might be a good product to finish the steers on?