Feeding Weaned Calves This Winter
Tips for putting cheap gain on weaned calves.
October 21, 2024
by Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University
With the dry weather we have had for the past few months, the prospects of wheat pasture this winter are slim. Calf prices remain fairly strong, but there are indications that feeding calves to heavier weights next spring may have economic advantages.
Feeding free-choice hay with a concentrate supplement has the potential to add gain to growing calves without a large investment in additional equipment.
We had a good hay crop earlier in the summer, and the quality of much of the alfalfa hay grown this summer was outstanding. Feeding free-choice hay with a concentrate supplement has the potential to add gain to growing calves without a large investment in additional equipment. The number of nutrition program alternatives is virtually unlimited.
We recommend feeding an ionophore to increase gains and efficiency and help with coccidia control. See our Oklahoma State University Fact Sheet “Feed Additives for Beef Cattle Production” (AFS-3038) for more information on use of ionophores and other feed additives. The supplement could be designed to provide all minerals and an ionophore or a commercial complete mineral could be provided free-choice.
The following table includes several rations for calves receiving free-choice hay, with target gains of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 pounds (lb.) per day. Separate rations are suggested for alfalfa hay [midbloom, 17% crude protein (CP) and 58% total digestible nutrients (TDN)], good-quality grass hays (> 10% CP and 56% TDN), and low-quality grass hay (containing 7% CP and 52% TDN).
Table 1: Rations for supplementation of growing calves fed free-choice hay in dry lot
Free-choice complete mineral
Notice that, as the quality of the hay decreases, the supplement requirements increase for each expected level of performance. Also, as performance expectations increase, supplementation rates and quality of the supplements also increase. These are just some suggested diets with commonly available ingredients.
There are many ways to get to the same desired level of performance. Be mindful of the costs of feeding and the break-even value of your calves, and use appropriate price protection for your calves to ensure profitability. See your feed company representative or local cooperative Extension office for more specific assistance in developing supplementation programs for your calves this winter.
Editor’s note: Paul Beck is a cooperative extension beef cattle nutrition specialist at Oklahoma State University. [Lead photo by Shauna Hermel.]
Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 16, No. 10-B
Topics: Nutrition , Management
Publication: Angus Beef Bulletin
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