Can a Holstein steer work with a beef calf?
We’re used to beef cattle moving away from us, we’re used to calves working in a flight zone, and now we almost have to lead them — they just don’t function the way we’re used to.” Felix added that Holstein steers’ gentleness is appropriate for younger children who might not be able to work safely around more flighty young beef calves.
Why are Holstein steers bad for the feedlot?
Another ‘bad’ is that Holsteins will be in the feedlot longer, which can be a disadvantage for producers who are used to moving calves in and out as quickly as possible. Traditionally, beef producers strive to get two groups of feeders through a lot in a year. “That isn’t the case with the Holstein calf,” said Felix.
How big do Holstein steers get on a high grain diet?
When fed high corn diets, Holstein steers usual- ly will grade Choice at 1,050-1,200 pounds. Some feedlots prefer to feed light-weight (250-350 pounds) Holstein calves. These calves, also called “pee- wee” Holsteins, are fed high-grain finishing diets for approximately 400 days.
How big should a holstein bull calf be?
Feeding Programs for Holstein Steers Be certain to purchase only healthy calves. Top quality Holstein bull calves will weigh about 90-115 pounds, with no evidence of disease such as scouring. Look closely at the feet and legs of any purchased calves and check for good mobility and absence of lameness.
We’re used to beef cattle moving away from us, we’re used to calves working in a flight zone, and now we almost have to lead them — they just don’t function the way we’re used to.” Felix added that Holstein steers’ gentleness is appropriate for younger children who might not be able to work safely around more flighty young beef calves.
Another ‘bad’ is that Holsteins will be in the feedlot longer, which can be a disadvantage for producers who are used to moving calves in and out as quickly as possible. Traditionally, beef producers strive to get two groups of feeders through a lot in a year. “That isn’t the case with the Holstein calf,” said Felix.
How many megacalories does a Holstein steer need?
Felix says beef cattle are regularly fed diets that are 56 to 58 megacalories of net energy for gain. “When we think about Holsteins, we feed 60 to 62 megacalories because that calf has higher maintenance energy requirement, and we have to feed a higher energy ration in order to dilute maintenance costs and allow for increased average daily gain.”
Feeding Programs for Holstein Steers Be certain to purchase only healthy calves. Top quality Holstein bull calves will weigh about 90-115 pounds, with no evidence of disease such as scouring. Look closely at the feet and legs of any purchased calves and check for good mobility and absence of lameness.
