How long does it take to raise a Holstein steer?
A target gain should be 2.4 to 2.6 pounds per day, reaching the 1,400 pound market weight in 18 months or less. With implants, steers can reach this weight in as little as 14 months. Once weaned and in the finishing phase, steers ideally should be fed a total mixed ration that’s 80 percent grain on a dry matter basis.
Is raising Holstein steers profitable?
As long as cost per gain is less than $ per cwt sale price, it is profitable to continue feeding. The slaughter market for Holsteins is not as stable and predictable as the market for conventional beef breeds.
How much does it cost to raise a Holstein steer?
As a result of all of these steps the average total cost of raising a holstein steer was $1309.18 and the average price received for its beef was $1546.00. This left for a $236.82 profit per holstein steer. Even with a $236.82 profit, there is room for improvement.
What is the best age to butcher a Holstein steer?
Age at slaughter “typically” can be from 12 to 22 months of age for the high quality grade market. The reason for the range in age is that some calves are weaned and go directly to a feeding facility and are finished for slaughter.
Why are Holstein steers so cheap?
While the bull, or steer calf was formerly thought of as a by-product of milk production, these animals now have significantly more value as beef. “In the past, that by-product has been extremely affordable because it wasn’t needed,” said Felix. “The dairy farmer needed the lactation but didn’t need the calf.
How much corn does it take to feed out a Holstein steer?
How much ear corn per animal will it take in your opinion? These cattle will usually average 2.70 to 3.00 lb/day and consume 21 to 24 pounds of feed on a dry matter basis.
Can you raise a steer alone?
A single cow can be a perfectly happy cow. Mine is alone except for when her current calf is with her, and the barn cats and chickens come by to visit. As long as you come out 2 or so times a day for milking, feeding, and cleaning and spend some time brushing her or giving treats she will be happy.
What’s the best way to raise a Holstein steer?
Do not attempt to castrate a bull until two testes can be palpated within the scrotum. The preferred method for raising and finishing Holstein steers is to wean them onto a high-concentrate starter diet followed by sustained feeding of a high-energy diet until the desired finished weight is achieved.
Can a holstein bull be used for beef?
Beef and dairy farmers alike attended Penn State Extension’s recent workshop on best practices for raising Holstein bull calves for the beef market. Beef and dairy farmers alike attended Penn State Extension’s recent workshop last month on best practices for raising Holstein bull calves for the beef market.
What’s the grade of a Holstein steer after weaning?
This steer’s carcass measurements indicate his carcass was average Choice and yield grade 3. Bull calf management through weaning should be no different than the management methods applied to heifer calves. Unfortunately, bull calves often do not receive adequate colostrum.
What’s the difference between a Holstein steer and beef?
Dressing percentage is generally 6-8 percent lower for Holsteins compared with beef breeds. At a constant weight, Holstein steer carcasses have less backfat, mar- bling, and total fat, with more protein and bone com- pared with beef breeds.
When do I need to give my cattle a booster shot?
The second vaccination is a required booster dose, recommended within 2 to 4 weeks but acceptable within 4 months after the first dose. Immunity following the second dose lasts from 6 to 12 months.
When do you give a calf the MLV-BRD vaccine?
The viruses included in most MLV-BRD vaccines are infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Vaccinations given at 2 to 3 months of age produce initial immunity.
What’s the purpose of vaccinating a herd of cattle?
The purpose of vaccinating is to protect the herd from harmful diseases for health, economic and welfare reasons. To provide protection, the immune system must develop memory. With each vaccination and booster, the goal is to provide the protection needed by triggering the immune system to recognize the disease.