Abstract #519

# 519
Nutrition and management of calf-fed Holstein steers.
Richard Zinn*1, 1University of California, Davis, CA.

This presentation provides a brief review of feedlot nutrition and management considerations for Holstein steers. Calf-fed Holstein steers typically enter the commercial feedlot at 100 to 120 d of age, with a full purchase weight of approximately 137 ± 16 kg. On a shrunk-to-shrunk basis (full purchase and final weights reduced 4%), harvest weight, ADG, and days on feed of implanted calf-fed Holstein steers average 588 ± 16 kg, 1.31 ± 16 kg, and 349 ± 10 d, respectively. Rate of gain and gain efficiency are markedly influenced by harvest weight and placement month. Due to high summer temperatures, late summer and fall close-outs are least efficient for feedlots located in the desert southwest. Calf density should be regulated to achieve an average surface moisture level of roughly 20%. Because water consumption is greater (20 to 30%) in Holsteins than conventional beef breeds, they require more pen and shade space. In commercial practice, calf-fed Holsteins are fed a single growing-finishing diet throughout the duration of the feedlot period. A characteristic diet may contain 12–13% crude protein (urea the sole source of supplemental N), 0.70–0.80% calcium, 0.35–0.40% phosphorus,0.20 to 0.28% magnesium, 0.3 to 0.4% tracemineral salt, and 8% forage NDF. Due to very high growth potential during the initial 112 d on feed, this diet will not meet the calf’s metabolizable amino acid requirements, resulting in a predictable decrease (15 to 20%) in energetic efficiency during that phase. The rather high incidence of liver abscess frequently observed among lots of calf-fed Holsteins may warrant continued low-level antibiotic supplementation. Good feedbunk management is particularly important with Holsteins. The high energy content of the diet fed over a protracted period of time poses added threat to the possibility of acidosis.

Key Words: Holstein, feedlot, nutrition

Speaker Bio
Biographical Sketch
 
Richard Avery Zinn, Professor
Department of Animal Science, University of California
Tel. #: 760 356 3068 Email: razinn@ucdavis.edu
 
a. Professional preparation
 
Institution                                           Major                           Degree             Year               
Brigham Young University                 Animal Science           B.S.                 1974
Brigham young University                  Animal Science           M.S.                1975
University of Kentucky                      Nutrition (Ruminant)  Ph.D.               1978
Oklahoma State University                 Postdoc                                               1978   
 
b. Research emphasis
Feedlot cattle nutrition and management
 
c.  Awards
Grant S. Richard Scholarship (BYU), 1974
Merit Professor (Research), University Autonoma de Baja California, 1996.
Catedratico Patrimonial -National Endowment Scholar- (Given by CONACYT, Mexico City, Mexico) 1999
AFIA Ruminant Nutrition Research Award, Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., 2000
 
d. Journal publications: 178