Rations for Finishing Beef Cattle
Overview
Finishing rations are high‑energy diets designed to promote rapid, efficient gain—typically allowing cattle to eat free‑choice. A full‑fed finishing ration generally consists of ~85% grain and ~15% forage.
The following rations serve as guidelines only and do not account for feed wastage. For ration balancing, producers should consult with a qualified nutritionist.
Finishing Ration Guidelines
700–800 lb Cattle | Target Gain: 3.0 lb/day
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa/Grass Hay |
4 lb alfalfa grass hay 17 lb barley 2 oz limestone 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
9 lb barley silage 17 lb barley 4 oz limestone 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
10 lb corn silage 17 lb barley 0.5 lb canola meal 4 oz limestone 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
800–1200 lb Cattle | Target Gain: 3.0 lb/day
Feed Type |
Ration |
Alfalfa/Grass Hay |
5 lb alfalfa grass hay 20 lb barley 2 oz limestone 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Barley Silage |
10 lb barley silage 20.5 lb barley 4 oz limestone 2 oz 2:1 mineral 2 oz salt |
Corn Silage |
13 lb corn silage 21 lb barley 5 oz limestone 2 oz 2:1 mineral 1 oz salt |
Note:
1 oz = 28 g = 0.06 lb
1 oz = 28 g = 0.06 lb
Key Nutrition Considerations
Calcium Supplementation
High‑grain rations are typically low in calcium.
- Limestone is added to ensure proper skeletal development and support growth.
Minerals and Vitamins
Minerals, vitamins, and salt should be delivered through the grain ration because free-choice mineral intake is too inconsistent on finishing diets.
Most common cereal grains provide adequate protein, so supplemental protein is rarely necessary.
Vitamin A Requirements
Finishing cattle require 20,000–30,000 IU Vitamin A/day.
Example:
If a vitamin premix contains 1,500,000 IU Vitamin A/kg:
If a vitamin premix contains 1,500,000 IU Vitamin A/kg:
- 15 g/day provides 22,500 IU
- 20 g/day provides 30,000 IU
Feedbunk Management
Effective bunk management is essential for maximizing feedlot performance:
- Do not allow bunks to go empty for long periods
- Empty bunks can lead to grain overconsumption, digestive upset, and setbacks in performance
- Required bunk space varies by feeding system:
- Cattle fed free-choice require less bunk space
- Cattle fed once daily require more linear space to avoid competition
Consistent feed access supports steady intake, optimal gain, and overall feed efficiency.