Rations for Backgrounding Calves
Overview
Backgrounding programs aim to grow calves in preparation for high‑energy finishing rations or for grass turnout the following spring. Feed choice, cattle type, and desired rates of gain determine ration requirements. Profitability depends on maximizing the use of cost‑effective, high‑quality forages.
These guidelines assume adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation and do not account for forage wastage, which can reach 25–30%. Producers should obtain a forage analysis and consult a qualified nutritionist to balance rations.
Medium Frame Calves
Target: 1.5 lb ADG | Weight: 450–550 lb
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa/Grass |
9 lb alfalfa grass 4.5 lb barley 1 oz 1:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
36.5 lb barley silage 1 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
27 lb corn silage 7 lb alfalfa grass hay 1 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Target: 1.5 lb ADG | Weight: 550–600 lb
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa/Grass |
10 lb alfalfa grass 5.5 lb barley 1 oz 1:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
42 lb barley silage 1 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
25 lb corn silage 10 lb alfalfa grass hay 1 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Target: 1.5 lb ADG | Weight: 650–750 lb
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa/Grass |
12.5 lb alfalfa grass 5 lb barley 2 oz 1:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
37 lb barley silage 3 lb barley grain 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
25 lb corn silage 8 lb alfalfa grass 2.5 lb barley grain 0.5 lb canola meal 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Large Frame Calves
Target: 2.0 lb ADG | Weight: 550–650 lb
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa/Grass |
9.5 lb alfalfa grass 7 lb barley 1 oz 1:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
32.5 lb barley silage 4 lb barley grain 1 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
23 lb corn silage 5 lb alfalfa grass 5 lb barley grain 1 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Target: 2.0 lb ADG | Weight: 650–700 lb
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa |
11 lb alfalfa 8 lb barley 2 oz 1:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
32.5 lb barley silage 5.5 lb barley grain 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
23 lb corn silage 5 lb alfalfa grass 6.5 lb barley grain 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Note:
1 oz = 28 g = 0.06 lb
1 oz = 28 g = 0.06 lb
Mineral Guidelines
Type of Mineral Mix
- 1:1 mineral: alfalfa, alfalfa‑grass, pasture grasses
- 2:1 mineral: greenfeed, cereal silage, corn silage, native hay, straw/grain rations
Suggested Trace Mineral Levels
- Selenium (Se): 30 mg/kg
- Copper (Cu): 2500 mg/kg
- Manganese (Mn): 8000 mg/kg
- Zinc (Zn): 8000 mg/kg
Use cobalt‑iodized or trace‑mineralized salt.
Vitamin Requirements
Backgrounding calves need 20,000–25,000 IU Vitamin A/day.
A vitamin premix is the preferred delivery method, as injections may cause carcass damage.
A vitamin premix is the preferred delivery method, as injections may cause carcass damage.
Example:
A premix containing 1,500,000 IU Vitamin A/kg:
A premix containing 1,500,000 IU Vitamin A/kg:
- Feeding 15 g/day supplies 22,500 IU Vitamin A/day