Feeding a Market Steer for Finish Without Overdoing It

Feeding a market steer is simple to describe and tricky to do well. The goal is a calf that gains steadily, carries enough muscle and finish to compete and stays healthy the whole way. The temptation is to push feed, because more feed means more weight and more fat. But a steer fed too hard, too fast can end up sick, off feed or so fat that he looks sloppy instead of sharp.

This guide covers the general principles of feeding a steer for finish and the warning signs of overdoing it. Rations depend on the animal, the feeds available, your climate and your show date, so work with an experienced feeder, an extension agent or a nutritionist. If you want to find junior beef feeding clinics near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

What "Finish" Means

Finish refers to the amount of fat cover on a market animal. A steer that is under-finished looks lean and angular, and may not grade well. A steer that is over-finished carries too much fat, looks soft and is discounted. Judges look for a steer with a balance of muscle and moderate fat cover, appropriate to his weight and frame. Meeting that target is a matter of the right feed at the right pace for the right amount of time. Extension programs such as Nebraska Beef publish resources on feeding beef cattle.

The Building Blocks of the Ration

Roughage. Hay, pasture or other forage supplies fiber, which keeps the rumen working. Never cut it out completely.
Concentrate. Grain-based commercial show feeds or custom mixes supply energy and protein for growth and finish.
Protein and minerals. Needed for muscle growth, bone and health, and often built into commercial feeds.
Water. Cattle need constant access to clean, fresh water, and intake drives feed intake.

Commercial feed tags list guaranteed analysis and feeding directions. Follow them as a starting point and adjust to the animal.

Step Up Slowly

The rumen contains microbes adapted to what the animal usually eats. A sudden jump in grain can upset that balance and cause acidosis, a serious digestive disorder. When you start a steer on grain, or move him up in amount, do it in small steps over days or weeks, keep plenty of roughage available and watch his appetite and manure. Many experienced feeders increase concentrate gradually and avoid large changes at once. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes acidosis and other digestive diseases of cattle.

Feed on a Schedule

Cattle do best on consistent routines. Feed at the same times each day, in clean feed pans or bunks, and remove old feed. Many exhibitors feed twice a day. Measure feed by weight rather than by scoop or guess, since scoops vary. Keep a record of what the steer gets and how he responds.

Track Gain and Condition

Weigh the steer regularly on a trustworthy scale, and compare gain to your plan. Many programs aim for steady daily gains, in the range of a few pounds per day, though the right number depends on the animal's age, weight, genetics and your goals. Feel the animal, too. Run your hand over the rib, loin and rump to judge fat cover, and look at him from the side and rear. If he is gaining more slowly than planned, check health, water, feed quality and intake first before simply increasing feed.

Signs You Are Overdoing It

Off feed or sluggish appetite.
Loose, runny or unusually foamy manure.
Bloat, or a swollen left side.
Sore feet or reluctance to walk.
Rapid fat deposits at the tailhead, brisket and flanks.
Panting or heat stress made worse by heavy feeding in hot weather.

If you see these, reduce the amount of concentrate, increase roughage and call your vet if symptoms persist or are severe. Do not wait.

Heat, Cold and Season

Feed needs and intake change with weather. In extreme heat, steers often eat less, and feeding more grain in hot weather can add to heat stress. Some feeders shift feeding to cooler parts of the day. In cold weather, animals need extra energy to stay warm. Adjust to conditions rather than a calendar.

Supplements and Additives

The feed and supplement aisle is full of products promising faster gain or better finish. Some have value when used properly, but many are unnecessary, and some are against show rules or require careful handling. Check your fair book and ask your veterinarian or advisor. Drugs and certain additives have withdrawal times and show restrictions. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine provides information on animal drug and feed regulations.

Common Mistakes

Jumping to full feed. Step up gradually.
Cutting roughage. Fiber keeps him healthy.
Chasing weight with feed alone. Look at health, water and condition.
Feeding by the scoop. Weigh feed.
Ignoring the heat. Adjust for weather.

Farm.fm's page on nutrition essentials for healthy Angus herds provides more background, and for a laugh, see farm.fm's humor piece on a dairy nutrition expert who gives a cow a personalized diet while the farmer eats a gas station burrito.