Feeding Good Breeding

The major challenge of the Young Beef system, especially when finishing continental bulls, is to achieve high daily weight gains and fat classes 3 and 4L in the short time frame available. Fat scores of 3 and 4L are key market requirements and equate with a back-fat thickness of 3mm and 4-5mm respectively.

Belgian Blue cross animals are renowned for their superior conformation, excellent meat yield and their ability to have a high kill out percentage. However, in recent times some farmers have been critical of the Belgian Blue breed, citing that it is too difficult to achieve the desired fat class of 3 in the required time. The remainder of this article will address the issue of achieving the desired fat class with Belgian Blue cross finishing animals. With careful feeding management and nutrition it is a target that should not be beyond the reach of any farmer.

Daily Gain and Fat Scores

The rate of fat deposition accelerates as daily liveweight gain increases. In order to achieve the required fat classes it is essential to achieve high daily weight gains for a 4 to 5 month period. Table 1 illustrates how the weight at which fat class 3 is achieved decreases as daily liveweight gain increases for continental cross animals. In general it takes about 70 days for continental cross cattle to transverse a fat class i.e. from fat class 2 to fat class 3.

Table 1. Relationship between daily liveweight gain (LWG) and the weight (Kg) at which fat class 3 is achieved for Continental Cross Cattle.

Daily LWG (kgs/day)   Weight (kg) at which Fat Score 3 is achieved

1.0                             530

1.1                             525

1.2                             520

1.3                             515

1.4                             505

1.5                             490

Energy Density of Ration

The key to achieving high daily liveweight gains and the preferred fat classes is having a high energy density ration. Table 2 shows how daily liveweight gain (LWG) increases with an increase in the energy density of the diet. Higher energy density rations will give a higher daily liveweight gain and this ultimately will give a higher feed efficiency

Table 2. Relationship between dietary energy density and daily liveweight gain of continental cross bred bulls.

Energy Density of the Diet (MJ ME/kg DM)     Daily LWG (kg/day)

10,5                                                            1,0

10,8                                                            1,2

11,2                                                            1,4

11,8                                                            1,6

The Finishing Ration

Having invested in top quality animals it makes sense to pay particular attention to the dietary components of the ration in order to maximise the genetic potential of the animals. The desired fat colour must also be borne in mind when selecting the finishing ration. Most European markets e.g. Italy, Holland, demand a ‘white’ fat rather than the traditional ‘yellow’ fat that results from Irish grass based diets. When considering the selection of the finishing ration the following points should be addressed.

Energy

To achieve the required level of energy density in the diet it is critical to include high levels of energy dense products such as maize meal, maize germ expeller etc. An ingredient called Maize Germ Expeller is an ingredient that ensures rapid weight gain and achievement of fat class 3 – 4L in young beef production systems. Maize Germ Expeller is a high starch, high oil product that is extremely high in energy. Top quality Maize Germ Expeller has a higher energy value than maize meal and is worth an extra premium to incorporate into diets. Greenvale Animal Feeds firmly believe in the use of top grade Maize Germ Expeller in the diets of finishing animals. At farm level Maize Germ Expeller has given excellent results with Belgian Blue cross cattle, in terms of kill out, carcass weights and carcass fat cover. The future success of Young Beef Production systems will be dependent on Maize Germ expeller being a major dietary component.

Fibre

Beet pulp should be included at 20-25% to elevate fibre levels and minimise the risk of acidosis. It is also possible to use soya hulls to achieve the optimum fibre level.

Protein

Two protein sources should be used, ideally Hi-Pro Soya and Rapeseed. Due to hormonal differences bulls require and respond to higher protein levels than steers or heifers. For bulls it is essential to use a minimum of 16% crude protein in the total diet.

Mineral Supplement

Include a good mineral package paying particular attention to manganese and selenium as muscled animals such as Belgian Blue crosses have higher requirements for these elements.

Feeding Management

Having visited many beef units it is evident that management and husbandry vary widely and yet it is probably the most critical factor determining the overall performance and profitability of the beef system.

The most efficient feeding system that can be used to achieve the desired liveweight gain and corresponding fat class for finishing continental cattle is that of ad-Iibitum feeding for the last 120 – 150 days. In order to prevent digestive upsets and acidosis it is extremely important to accustom the cattle to the high levels of meal feeding over a period of time. Start off feeding a small volume twice daily and increase the amount offered gradually, stepping it up by 0.5 kgs at the time until the animals are feeding ad-libitum. Once animals are on ad-libitum it is critical that there is fresh feed in front of them at ALL times. If the feed intake declines for any reason e.g. illness, the volume of feed offered must be re-introduced at a low level and increased gradually again, otherwise animals will get severe acidosis. It is important that there is adequate feeding space and that there is liberal access to water. A source of fibre e.g. straw must be provided, either mixed through the feed with a diet feeder or free access through feeders.

Summary

Contrary to the belief of some people, Belgian Blue cross bred cattle have the ability to achieve the desired fat class of 3 – 4L. However, in order for this to happen the cattle must be managed correctly and be fed a high energy density ration, preferably containing Maize Germ Expeller, for the last 120-150 days of the finishing period. There are numerous examples of successful beef units in Ireland where Belgian Blue bred cattle are the predominant breed. The story behind their success is selecting the correct animal that will guarantee excellent conformation and kill out and combining this with good husbandry and careful consideration of the finishing ration in order to achieve the critical fat class.