TexasBred, same here :tiphat:
Re:
Now my question to SirLoin is, why do you need a ration for
calves that is 16% protein? This whole scenerio was for calves, right?
Not necessarily. Yes, I am running calves right now but 3 are heifers from good breeding stock and I may run them out to heifers, 2 in 1 or 3 in 1. Depending on the market and my need for cash.
There are times in a bad winters and/or times of drought when the grass is gone and hay is poor and momma is about to calve or has just calved, I like to jump their protein level up to 16%.
I also like to jump it up to 16% for calves for 30 - 60 days before sale day.
The rest of the time when supplemental feeding is necessary, 12% is fine.
What I am trying to calculate is cost of : Am I better off feeding a 12% feed and increasing the amount of feed given to provide more protein or reformulating a 16 % feed.
Which brings me to my next question. Lets use this as a starting point. This is what I am feeding 3 Holstein steer due to go to market Dec. 8.
What is the protein level of 2/3 wheat midds and 1/3 dry ground corn? 2 lbs per day. free choice hay @ 8 %.
What is their crude protein daily intake?
I'll work on the cost /lb while you figure that out.
SL