Silage issue

muckfarmer · May 29, 2009

I am very interested in feeding silage as we have completely removed hay or straw from diets past 12 weeks old. This has worked well and saved lots of money on hay.

We raise holstien beef cattle on silage and ground feed. Does anyone know what is the optimum balance for feeder and finish cattle.

Currently we feed all the silage the FEEDERS will eat and supplement grain at 10 lbs/day.(corn+soymeal+oats+mix las+earcorn+minerals)

The FINISHERS get corn silage (40-50# wet) and then 20-25# of grain per day. (corn+soymeal+mixlas+mierals+salt)

What ration balance would be improved over this ratio?

Thanks!

GeneMO · May 29, 2009

I like old stuff, so I occasionally run across old farm text books at junk stores. I have a 1941 issue of Feeds and Feeding by F. B. Morrison. I think they were still using this when I was in college in the mid 70's. Not sure how relevant it would be for your use. I haven't done a google search on it yet, but know it's probably out there on the web. This old book I have doesn't address the fattening of dairy breeds using silage.

Your local University extension should be of help.

Are you selling these animals?

Any source of Dried distillers grain locally?

Just thinking out loud here, but the silage and a dairy calf doesn't sound like a recipe for fattening does it?

I know dairy breeds have changed in the 35 years since I was involved in feeding fat cattle.

Good luck,, Gene

RodinNS · May 30, 2009

You would be best advised to contact a local extension service. Someone, somewhere will have the computer program where they stick your feed values in, the rate of gain you want, etc and it will spit out the amounts you need to feed.
Around here the feed companies or their reps will do that for you as well... if you're buying from them.

Rod

CumminsMan · May 30, 2009

Find someone with a ration calculator, OSU's is available to download. Most good feed dealers will have one too. Or as said below, contact your local extension livestock specialist. You are going to find that on finishing you will be feeding more corn than silage. Might also look into distillers grain if there is an ethonal plant nearby.

Silage issue

muckfarmer

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GeneMO

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RodinNS

Well-known Member

CumminsMan

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