title: Feeding Holstein steers from start to finish.
abstract: Holstein beef has become a significant segment of the feedlot industry. Holstein steers typically enter the feedlot at a lighter body weight, require more pen space per animal, and are in the feedlot for longer periods of time than beef breeds. The only real differences in carcass characteristics are the lower dressing percentage and the smaller rib eye area, which can be increased with anabolic implants and the use of beta-agonists. Holsteins are typically fed higher roughage concentrations. Fat concentrations can also be increased to offset the lower energy diets. Protein requirements do not appear to be different from beef cattle, although Holstein steers weighing from 300 to 700 lb should be fed plant protein sources (eg, soybean meal).
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0038, USA. gduff@ag.arizona.edu
authors.forename: Glenn C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Duff
authors.forename: Casey P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: McMurphy
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development*; D001823:Body Composition; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014886:Weaning