Question: I have 2 steers that are weighing 800 lbs. Currently they are eating 16 lbs a day. 2% of their body weight, also there final show is September 20th and my question is that staying at 2% of their body weight going to put me too far ahead of the game? Keeping in mind they will be shown this spring and summer and early fall. Also will they lose that freshness to them? Also at shows in the spring where the calves are not mature are they judging them more as feeder calves or market steers?
Answer: Kyle,
Thank you for contacting the Honor Show Chow Website!
You certainly have a good question, and I do not know if I have a good answer for you.
You provided lots of details, but WHAT (grower, finisher, etc) are you feeding? This could make a huge difference in how I would reply.
It is hard to be looking 12 oclock for 6 months in my opinion. Sometimes you have to decide what is most important the prospect shows or the target show. It should be the target show I think.
When you get to the point of holding, I would highly recommend the use of our Honor Show Chow Full Control. Feed 12 to 14 lb/hd/d, 1 lb/hd/d of High Octane Champion Drive Topdress and free choice medium quality grass hay. Monitor their weight every few weeks. They should not gain much, but stay full and fresh looking.
Regarding the shows again this is hard to answer as every judge may do it a bit different. Also, time of the year (February vs. June) should play a role in this. In my opinion, the cattle should not be judged as market steers unless the show is called a MARKET STEER SHOW. If it is not, some judges may use the one that they think has the most future (look nearest the ideal at their finished weight) or the one that is simply the highest quality (best combination of balance, muscle, body capacity, soundness, etc) on that given day (this is what I would do).
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I will reply back to you in more detail in you can help me with what you are feeding at this time.
Thank you,
Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC
Consulting Beef Nutritionist
