Instructions
Assess the different needs in the herd. Knowing how many calves, bulls and heifers you have, as well as whether they are in a rapid-growth stage or a finishing stage, helps to determine their nutritional needs. Cattle are considered in the growing stage until approximately 750 lbs. of body weight, when they are considered in the "finishing" stage. This affects what type of feed they need.
Separate cattle so they are sure to get their nutritional needs met. If your operation is a mixture of growers and finishers, there should be some way to ensure each group gets the feed needed. Most farmers manage this with fencing, corralling each stage of cattle to the feeding station where the feed is kept.
Match the feed formulation with the cattle. A sales representative from the company or supplier can help determine which formulation and protein supplements are appropriate for which stage of cattle.
Determine how much feed to order, and where it is stored. Storage areas have an enormous impact on how much feed the farmer can order at one time, also taking into account bulk discounts. Long-term feed storage must keep feed dry to avoid mold, so the ability to accomplish this must be considered.
Place feed in a feeding trough or other cattle feeder. Farmers need to decide whether cattle will be fed via a free-choice delivery system, or something more limited.
How to Raise Grain-Fed Beef
Farmers who raise cattle for beef production must pay particular attention to the nutrition needs of these animals. While the nutrition needs of beef cattle changes with age, many pre-mixed feed formulations are available for different growth stages of cattle, making it easier for the farmer to address the changing needs of the herd.