How to Fatten a Holstein Steer

Nationwide, approximately one in three male Holsteins is slaughtered as a calf for veal production. The remaining steers are used for beef production. Compared to other breeds, Holsteins use feed to create protein more efficiently, and have less muscling and a greater ability to marble with less external fat. Although they're less profitable than beef breeds, their greater hide and trim value makes the difference minimal. In addition, demand for this type of beef is growing with consumer interest in food that has a low fat content. Proper fattening maximizes profitability.

Things You'll Need

  • Shelter
  • Grain
  • Hay
  • Corn-silage
  • Pasture
  • Nutrition supplements
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Give the steer at least three sides of shelter. Holsteins are more stressed by weather than beef breeds and should be protected. Keep it out of the mud if at all possible.

    • 2

      Provide the steer with between 21 to 24 pounds of feed per day on a dry-measure basis.

    • 3

      Ensure high-quality forage with at least 40-percent corn or alfalfa haylage for use during the high-growth phase from 350 to about 700 pounds. During this period, the steer should gain between 2 to 3 pounds per day.

    • 4

      Use finishing feed that provides 11- to 12-percent crude protein, .5- to .6-percent calcium and .4-percent phosphorus, with the remainder grain once the steer reaches 700 pounds. At this stage, the steer should gain 2.8 pounds or more per day.

    • 5

      Change the diet slightly. In the second phase of fattening (after the steer reaches 700 pounds), all crude protein comes from urea or ammoniated silage. Urea is the solid part of mammal urine used for fodder. Silage is a crop, usually corn, that's harvested while green and fermented in a silo for fodder.

    • 6

      Avoid acidosis and other digestive problems by maintaining sufficient fiber in the diet and ensuring that it's not too finely chopped.

    • 7

      Use implant tablets coated with hormones to promote growth. These tablets are like a vitamin, and are added to the steer's diet, or force-fed, to give it valuable nutrients that aid it in gaining weight.

    • 8

      Include ionophores or antimicrobial compounds in the feed.