Max feeding rates

johnnyw20

Just something I’m curious about. On the label of a beef nut here it says not to feed above 1.2kg per 100kg. What issues would arise if they were to receive more? Is it mineral toxicity or are there more issues?

johnnyw20

johnnyw20 wrote: »

Just something I’m curious about. On the label of a beef nut here it says not to feed above 1.2kg per 100kg. What issues would arise if they were to receive more? Is it mineral toxicity or are there more issues?

Have attached the label for reference

Base price

The guide rate is there to prevent overfeeding which could result in the animal developing acidosis. It is important when feeding meal to ensure that there is a good supply of roughage. When finishing cattle we would build up the intake of concentrates over a few weeks and monitor the animals reaction to the increased volumes. The following link is worth reading and explains the causes and prevention of acidosis.
https://www.beefresearch.ca/research-topic.cfm/acidosis-63

johnnyw20

So would I be able to feed up to 2kg per 100kg if I managed acidosis ok?

Base price

johnnyw20 wrote: »

So would I be able to feed up to 2kg per 100kg if I managed acidosis ok?

Yes, once you build it up slowly but be careful if they are on good grass.

Bass Reeves

johnnyw20 wrote: »

So would I be able to feed up to 2kg per 100kg if I managed acidosis ok?

Yes if you are feeding inside with silage. It is unlikely you could feed it outside and manage acidosis.There is another issue mineral+vit level in feed. usually in grass rations/nuts( and this seems to be designed to feed at grass because of lower feed rates the level of M+V can be as high as 3%. Excess M&V have to be secreted by animals it can cause scour or liver issues. Check with miller as to level of M&V in nut.

Managing acidosis is easier said than done.It is easier to inside in a shed rather than outside on grass. Feeding at 2kg/100kgs is 12kgs/head on 600kg cattle. The issue with this is bigger or stronger cattle will consume more than there share so you could have some stronger cattle hitting 2.5kgs/100kgs.