How to add some grain feed to grass fed beef cows

Shore Farming · #1 03/13/14, 07:22 PM

We now have two cow/calf pairs. They have always been grass fed - cows are 3 years old. They could use some weight. We bought some ground grain mix from a local cattle farm: field corn w/cob, wheat, barley ground up as feed on the farm. The farmer we bought these Angus cross cows from agreed that some grain would do them good. They are currently on hay - no pasture.
Question: How to you add grain and how much to start without issues? I fed some this afternoon - about 4 qts for 2 cows and 1 860 lb heifer. Problem: Boss cow ate most of it. I would appreciate insight into how to move on from here with quantity and length of time to gradually increase. I hope I didn't end up feeding the "boss" too much. Thanks!

Wanda · #2 03/13/14, 11:42 PM

Have the cows been treated for worms and external parasites? Also make sure they are getting a good quality hay. Feeding the grain will be hard if they are differing sizes and temperaments. If they over eat it can cause problems and not enough does no good. They need to be worked up in amount gradually so the rumen bugs can adapt. If the feed is ground you must be extra cautious to not cause acidosis. 1/2% of body weight should be enough to boost them up along with good hay. If you can check there body score and they should be a 4-5 for cows. Sometimes we keep them to fat and cause more problems in the long run.

Shore Farming · #3 03/14/14, 07:24 AM

Thank you, Wanda. I purchased two bales of the same hay the former cow owner was using to make the transition. Should last a month and they are okay for worms/parasites. This is ground grain so that is why I am concerned with initial amounts and the time before increase. Their body score looks about like a 4. I thought supplementation would help because we have them in a 1/2 acre of former no till corn = dirt and corn stubble. The only grass is emerging weeds and corn husks until the pasture is ready. Maybe it would be best to stick with hay? Feeding grain would also be a way to begin to handle them. Boss cow came up to me for the first time vs. getting spooked.

arcticow · #4 03/14/14, 10:04 AM

Can you get a natural protein cattle cube? For 2 pair, you can hand feed the amount they would need to supplement. Easier to make sure who gets how much, and you get a chance to gentle them. If you shop around, you should find one that has a good grain base, enough protein, and not be over -priced...