The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1910-06-22
Feeding Beef Cattle.

Can we, with economy, feed beef cattle
in this state? Can we feed cattle. for
market, and at least get the manure for
our trouble? Can we feed beeyes at q
profit?
We are often asked these questions and a
brief summary of results Of feeding a lot
Of about thirty may be Of interest as by
this means we can present facts and not
guess work.
This lot we began to feed on November
10, and it consisted Of a mixed bunch OF
steers and heifers, neatly half Of each.
By February &c they had gained 1896
lbs, or a gain Of 21s lbs. each, averaging a
little more than Il 10 lbs. per head per
week.
This, as any feeder knows, is a very
good gain, and was particularly good In
this instance, as they were a mixed lot OF
mountain cattle, obtained locally, and OF a
rather low average In quality.
In this time they consumed 1O56OO lbs.
silage and 21162 IL lbs. cotton seed meal,
or an average Of 81 lbs. silage and 7l-2
lbs. meal per head per day.
If silage is valued at 50 per ton, and
meal at $50 per ton, then these steers cost
to feed at a rate Of II IA cents per day.
To offset the cost of the feed, we obtained
the gain Of IA S-65 lbs. per week, the ma
nure, and the, increase Of value TO the
whole animal that comes from the added
flesh.
In some sections it is expected to sell
the animal for at least one cent per pound
more when fattaned than they cost when
thin. Using these figures, let us see how
our account would stand.
Silage consumed in the Is weeks,
at So per ton 5 1853 90
Meal for same time at $50 per ton 3l5 90
Total cost OF feed Ats 90
Weight at start was 22s5O lbs. At three
and a half cents per pound, the amount
would be s799.75.
2s746 lbs. at o. 1-e per Id, 1928 90
From this take cost fss 70
Ralance 499 40
Cost of food as above ATS w
Selling price above all cost 20 II
Selling price is only an estimate as the
above cattle we're for our W use hence
not sold, but the lesson remains, Just the
same.
Under favorable circumstances This in
dictates that cattle may be fed for beef, and
and the manure be obtained for the labor.
II the cattle were fed at seasons when
meal is lower in price, the showing would
be better. The silage too, may usually be
grown for less than S3per ton, and In that
case it would be 80 much to the advantage
Of the feeder.
The foregoing shows that this industry
may be profitable as an aid in building up
the farm, but we must present the follow
ing cautions, and would suggest the desir-
ability Of fattening only q few, say a car
lot, the first time, and let the business
grow as one becomes accustomed TO all
the conditions to be met.
If cattle are brought from q distance,
study the freight rates and see If that
may prohibit the enterprise.
In buying be careful they are not
weighed just after receiving food and
water.
Learn if the market in which you wish
to sell, will take heifers, or If 1t pays bet
ter for steers, and act accordingly.
II heifers are bought, get spayed ones II
possible, or if not, then such as are not
bred, or at least, that are not too far ad-
vanced in pregnancy.
Buy local cattle II possible and save not
only freight, but the shrinkage caused by
| shipping, these often being very serious
drawbacks to the enterprise.
Do not feed too long, but yet enough to
satisfy the market. When cattle are
nearly finished, the cost Of gain is much
increased Buy as late in season as is
| possible and sell on the markets before
early lambs and grass fed animals are
offered. Prof. d. U. Nourse,
Chief of the Division Of Animal Husban-