Weanling Ration

Tomjim

In order to save money on weanling meal, my local CO-OP (Grennans) has suggested that I use their bull beef (14% protein I think) to creep my weanlings along with a Soya bag which is 47% protein. The idea is that I mix a cup of the soya meal with a bucket of the bull beef ration. Is this a sound idea, cheaper than buying weanling crunch, or is it bullxxit. The weanlings only receive circa 1kg of meal per day ie they are restricted.

Muckit

Tomjim wrote: »

In order to save money on weanling meal, my local CO-OP (Grennans) has suggested that I use their bull beef (14% protein I think) to creep my weanlings along with a Soya bag which is 47% protein. The idea is that I mix a cup of the soya meal with a bucket of the bull beef ration. Is this a sound idea, cheaper than buying weanling crunch, or is it bullxxit. The weanlings only receive circa 1kg of meal per day ie they are restricted.

How do you manage to train your weanlings to only eat a kg?

Tomjim

It is the average, ie I use a creep feeder

Muckit

oh right. some could be eating more, some less. Get ya

I would say crunch only need to be used to get them started. The other option being suggested to you would seem more sensible once they're used to eating meal, but I'm no expert.

Tomjim

Muckit wrote: »

oh right. some could be eating more, some less. Get ya

I would say crunch only need to be used to get them started. The other option being suggested to you would seem more sensible once they're used to eating meal, but I'm no expert.

Can you clarify what you mean by stating you are no expert, ie is it appropriate for you to comment if you are unsure of your status,

Muckit

You posted a tread. I'm posting a comment. 'I'm no expert' means exactly what it says on the tin.

High protein low energy to grow, low protein high energy feed to fatten. I'm open to correction by others. Minerals and vitamins also important.

Have you calculated the total % protein you'I be feeding with a bucket of 14% bull nuts and a 'cup' of 47% soya?

agriking101

you go, muckit, you were just displaying typical Irish modesty. You're right on protein and energy, i wouldn't be so worried about protein this time of year, 'cos grass is high in protein, low in energy. Higher protein needed once cattle are eating silage.

vanderbadger

Muckit wrote: »

You posted a tread. I'm posting a comment. 'I'm no expert' means exactly what it says on the tin.

High protein low energy to grow, low protein high energy feed to fatten. I'm open to correction by others. Minerals and vitamins also important.

Have you calculated the total % protein you'I be feeding with a bucket of 14% bull nuts and a 'cup' of 47% soya?

jaysus muck you are on a bad run, first the dog fence and now this

Bizzum

Muckit wrote: »

High protein low energy to grow, low protein high energy feed to fatten. I'm open to correction by others. Minerals and vitamins also important.

Have you calculated the total % protein you'I be feeding with a bucket of 14% bull nuts and a 'cup' of 47% soya?

Expert advice here Muckit!

Good loser

You don't need the soya. In fact rolled barley or even citrus would do for such a small feed. they will get enough vits and mins from grass.

Bizzum

Good loser wrote: »

You don't need the soya. In fact rolled barley or even citrus would do for such a small feed. they will get enough vits and mins from grass.

I would think the Soya to up the protein level of the ration would be no harm at all when dealing with weanlings.
To my mind a Kilo of a good ration fed to weanlings at grass will pay for itself, even in terms of reducing stress at weaning, training to eat meal, training to break the bond with the cow etc.

Good loser

Bizzum wrote: »

I would think the Soya to up the protein level of the ration would be no harm at all when dealing with weanlings.
To my mind a Kilo of a good ration fed to weanlings at grass will pay for itself, even in terms of reducing stress at weaning, training to eat meal, training to break the bond with the cow etc.

Don't know. Depends on cost. Would stick with my opinion - on grass protein is not an issue.

bbam

Folks.. Anyone know how much rolled barley bulk in ton bags is? Where in the north east I can pick it up??

J DEERE

Why not feed a rolled barley/soya mix? At current prices it works out at bout 260/ton. Simple feeding. At 5:1 (barley/soya) it works out at 16% protein I think. 4:1 is a little over 17%