by Karla Wilke, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Now that fall is here, and most spring-born calves are being weaned, 4-Hers and FFA students are looking over the calf crops and picking out market steer prospects for the 2024 county fair. Calves are carefully evaluated against a list of criteria, selected and brought home. Now what?

Understanding the nutrient needs of the growing calf

Commercially prepared complete feeds and supplements are available and may work best for a given situation. However, developing a diet out of bulk commodities may be more economical, and it certainly gives parents a chance to introduce their child to ruminant nutrition and basic animal husbandry while hopefully fostering a love for the beef industry.

Assuming the weaned steer is 600 pounds (lb.) in November and will be shown at a county fair in July, the calf would need to gain around 3 lb. per day to weigh approximately 1,300 lb. by the fair.

The following is an example of how an energy source, a protein source and a roughage source could be increased as the animal grows to meet the nutrient requirements of a growing and finishing steer. Different commodities might be available, but cannot necessarily be substituted in the same amounts due to different nutrient content. Beef-focused Extension personnel can assist in ration development.

There are two things to keep in mind:

• No. 1: The steer’s feed intake is going to increase as the animal grows to continue to support growth; and
• No. 2: The goal is to increase the energy density of the diet so the steer is finished by fair time.

With that in mind, Table 1 presents four diets using the same ingredients given approximate weights of each ingredient for the changes in steer weight and energy density.

Managing feeding to minimize digestive upsets

Increase the amount of feed slowly. All feed increases should be done over the course of a few days, especially increases in energy feeds, to avoid digestive upsets. While some families may be able to provide ground hay in a total mixed ration (TMR), others may choose to provide some long-stem hay separately to help maintain rumen function.

Feed twice a day. Feeding twice a day rather than once a day helps prevent cattle from overloading on feed. This can also help care providers judge when the steers are ready for a feed increase. Cattle that are “rushing the bunk” may need an increase, while cattle that are leaving feed in the bunk may need a slight decrease or new feed in the bunk.

Feed at consistent times. Feed at the same time every day, seven days a week. Consistent feeding times help reduce digestive upsets, as well. This is especially true as cattle grow and are on a higher-energy-density diet.

Provide fresh water source. Water is critical. While a lot of emphasis is put on protein, energy, minerals and vitamins, the importance of water cannot be overlooked. Cattle need a consistent supply of fresh water at all times, and this is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer.

Encouraging responsibility while providing oversight

Many students who are involved in 4-H or FFA are also involved in many other school activities, as well. This often means early mornings to meet the bus, or late nights coming home from out-of-town games. This can make getting the steers fed on a regular schedule difficult. This is often where parents have to step in and help cover some chores. Consider making it the student’s responsibility to ask someone to cover for them, weigh up feed in advance, make preparations for their absence, check in to see how the feeding went, etc. This helps them develop more of a sense of ownership and responsibility, rather than just assuming the parent will do it for them.

While a lot of emphasis is put on protein, energy, minerals and vitamins, the importance of water cannot be overlooked.

Discussing feedings when the student was gone and helping the student feed when they are home can be a good opportunity to discuss bunk management, feeding changes and steer progress.

Students who participate in livestock projects for 4-H and/or FFA can develop great work ethic and a passion for the beef industry. Additionally, it can be a great experience as a family to work and learn together.

Editor’s note: Karla Wilke is a University of Nebraska–Lincoln professor of cow-calf systems and stocker management. [Lead photo by Megan Silveira.]