Feeding Finishing Beef Cattle: A Guide to High-Energy Rations and Feed Management

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Feeding finishing beef cattle requires carefully balanced, high-energy rations that promote rapid and efficient weight gain. These rations typically consist of about 85% grain and 15% forage, and animals on full feed are generally allowed to eat as much as they can consume.

Below is a simple, easy-to-follow guide to finishing rations for cattle weighing between 700 and 1,200 pounds, along with key feeding and management tips to support growth and health.


Sample Finishing Rations

These rations are general guidelines and do not account for feed waste. For tailored plans, consult with a qualified livestock nutritionist.

700–800 lbs at 3.0 lbs/day gain

Feed Type Alfalfa Grass Hay Barley Silage Corn Silage
Forage 4 lbs 9 lbs 10 lbs
Barley Grain 17 lbs 17 lbs 17 lbs
Supplement 2 oz limestone 4 oz limestone 0.5 lbs canola meal
Minerals 2 oz 2:1 mineral 2 oz 2:1 mineral 4 oz limestone
Salt 1 oz 1 oz 2 oz 2:1 mineral, 1 oz salt

800–1200 lbs at 3.0 lbs/day gain

Feed Type Alfalfa Grass Hay Barley Silage Corn Silage
Forage 5 lbs 10 lbs 13 lbs
Barley Grain 20 lbs 20.5 lbs 21 lbs
Limestone 2 oz 4 oz 5 oz
Minerals 2 oz 2:1 mineral 2 oz 2:1 mineral 2 oz 2:1 mineral
Salt 1 oz 2 oz 1 oz

Note: 1 oz = 28 grams = 0.06 lbs


Why Add Supplements?

  • Limestone is important to balance calcium, which is often low in grain-heavy diets.

  • Minerals, salt, and vitamins should be mixed into the grain ration for consistent intake. Free-choice mineral feeding often results in inconsistent consumption.

  • Protein supplements are usually not needed, as most cereal grains contain enough for finishing beef cattle.


Feed Bunk Management Tips

Proper management of feeding areas is critical to finishing performance:

  • Avoid empty feed bunks. If cattle run out of feed for extended periods, they may overeat when refilled, increasing the risk of digestive upset or going off feed.

  • Feeding frequency and access: Cattle with continuous access to feed need less bunk space compared to those fed once or twice daily.

  • Feeder space: Ensure adequate space so all animals can eat comfortably, reducing competition and stress.


Vitamin A Requirements

Finishing cattle need 20,000–30,000 IU of Vitamin A daily. This can be delivered through a vitamin premix added to feed.

Example:

  • A premix with 1,500,000 IU/kg of Vitamin A requires:

    • 15 g/day to supply 22,500 IU

    • 20 g/day to supply 30,000 IU


Final Notes

A successful finishing program relies not only on balanced rations but also on consistent management practices. Monitor feed intake, maintain clean and adequately spaced bunks, and ensure essential nutrients are always available through well-mixed feed.

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