212 FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



petitor will limit the extent to which baby beef will 

 be produced. 



When calves are fed that they may be ready for 

 market at or around two years of age, their first 

 winter's food should be of such a nature as to secure 

 favorable growth and to keep them steadily on the 

 gain. The manner of feeding will depend on the 

 nature of the roughage foods, as has been discussed 

 heretofore. In the spring these calves will go on 

 grass, and if the pasture is good, grain will ordina- 

 rily not be fed. If hot, dry weather cuts short the 

 pasture, light grain feeding will be advisable. The 

 skillful farmer will watch these matters as they 

 arise and meet them in accordance with his best 

 judgment, which will be influenced very largely by 

 the amount, kind, and market value of the grain on 

 hand, and the cost incidental to obtaining a supply 

 of commercial feeds. 



During the second winter the steers will be fed 

 on hay, stover, and silage if available, and grain. 

 The steers should be allowed to eat all the rough- 

 age food they want. If alfalfa, clover or other 

 legume hay is fed, more corn in the grain mixture 

 may be used. In the absence of a legume hay then 

 protein concentrates will be necessary. From two 

 to five pounds may be fed daily at first. The nature 

 of the hay, the character of the cattle, and the mar- 

 ket price of feed, must all be considered in deciding 

 the kind and amount of each. 



Finishing Two-Year-Olds on Grass. In feeding 

 out steers that have passed through two winters and 

 are in good flesh pastures are a great help. During 



