From mid-June to late October, a substantial number of beef cattle will be slaughtered off grass. Slaughtering cattle at this time of year has a number of advantages including lower cost of production with less meal input; cheaper weight gain off grass; and heavier carcasses. Generally animals killed in early summer benefit from a price rise also.
Pushing heavy cattle to finish off grass is economically attractive against the costs associated with winter housed feeding. Feeding meal on farms where grass supply is tight will benefit in terms of both reduced grass demand and increased animal performance.
“Carcass growth response to concentrate supplementation at pasture is higher where grass supply is low and where grass quality is poorer”.
Now is the time to assess your stock and decide which route to go with your heavier store cattle. Despite its lush, leafy appearance grass quality at this time of the year is reduced compared to spring/summer grass. Dry matter content (typically 12-16%) and energy content are also reducing as the year progresses. Supplement to ensure a minimum of 1kg of liveweight gain per day is achieved.
Response to feeding store cattle 4 kg of meal at grass:
- Daily gain: +0.2-0.3 kg/day
- Kill out: +0.5-1.5%
- Carcass: +35-40 kg
- Confirmation: +0.2-0.8 unit increase
- Fat: 1.0-1.5 unit increase
Meal feeding
Guidelines from feeding trials at Teagasc Grange indicate that there is an economic response to feeding 0.5 kg concentrates per 100kg liveweight (equating to 3kg of ration to a 600kg steer) when grass is plentiful; and 1kg concentrates per 100 kg liveweight (equating to 6 kg of ration to a 600kg steer) when grass is scarce.
Autumn grass is very high in crude protein in the range 18-22%. Energy is the principal consideration when buying a finishing ration. In some farm siuations feeding straight cereals may work.
Drummonds have a comprehensive range of top quality coarse rations and cubes available. Contact your local advisor or branch for further information.
Article Written by: Nigel Scally, Technical Sales Advisor Tel: 01 8255011 / 087 311 0772