Question: I would like Dr. Meyers feeding directions for a 900 lb medium frame angus and a 850 larger framed angus/simmental show steers. We have been feeding them 8 lbs of fitters edge and free choice grass alfalfa for 60 days with a gain of 2.25 lbs/day. Shows start in June and end the third weed of August. Would it be advisable to get to approximatly 1200 lbs for the first shows and coast them to target weight (1350?)? If so, what feeding recommendations should I follow?

Answer: Martin,

Thank you for contacting the Honor Show Chow Website!

8 lbs of feed / 875 lbs of body weight = 0.9% of body weight intake (low; normally 1.5-2.0%)
8 lbs of feed / 2.25 lb of average daily gain = 3.6 lbs of feed per pound of gain (very efficient)

1,350 lbs (target weight) - 875 lbs (current weight) = 475 lb of gain / ~ 180 days = 2.63 lb/d gain needed

Angus - I would keep him on the HSC Fitter’s Edge. I think you need to be feeding at least 15-18 lb/hd/d.

X-bred - I would continue feeding the HSC Fitter’s Edge and add 1 lb/hd/d of our High Octane Power Fuel, or feed him our HSC Finishing Touch. When adding the Power Fuel or moving over to the Finishing Touch, make any rations changes over a 10-15 day period. Again, I think you need to be closer to a 16-19 lb/hd/d feeding rate.

Once the steers are finished, maintain them using our HSC Full Control (12 lb/hd/d) the last 30-60 prior to your target show.

I would continue to feed free choice hay. I would recommend a medium quality grass hay vs. alfalfa. You don’t need any additional protein when you are finishing/fattening. Also, I think it will reduce your potential chances of bloat/loose stools.

Clean, fresh water, salt and free choice mineral is recommended in the turnout pen.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.

THANK YOU for the opportunity to work with you and keep up the great work!

Steven E. Myers, Ph.D.
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC
Consulting Beef Nutritionist