Don't use feed additives. Salt mineral distillers corn silage haylage ryelage hay cornstalks and corn. Whatever ration we can put together with the custom feed lot that is most cost efficient.
AI bulls? The Angus bulls I use, you probably never heard of. They are 5 ( primarily 3 full and maternal brothers) Their sons from the registered herd breed cows in the commercial herd. Bottom end of the registered heifers are kicked back as commercial replacements.
If it can be done here, it can be done anywhere. Just a matter of following what is important and not letting a lot of static from universities, bull studs, or anything else get in your way. End product is what you focus on, and that is not necessarily $B either.
We started out as cattle feeders, then went to commercial cow/calf thru the feed lot. Today, self contained with our own seed stock all the way to the rail. Today, because of the prime choice spread, considering going away from the all natural cattle and back to the regular grid. Doing the work to pickup % prime, but that may take a while. The nice part of what has been done is the cattle are proven the old fashion way. With a scale and kill data, not adjusted weights and ultrasound. When the packer pays me on adjusted weights, I may actually start to sort and cull based off them. Seen to many adjusted weight wonders that don't have it.
Have enjoyed reading this site for several years. Provided alot of decent ideas.
Thx