Beef Grower Nutrition Guide

Complete Beef Grower Feeding & Nutrition Guide

 

This Resaca Sun Feeds Beef Grower Nutrition Guide outlines proper feeding practices, grow-out timelines, and feeding schedules for beef cattle.

PROPER FEEDING ENSURES

Efficient, healthy weight gain

Strong immune function

High-quality meat production

Reduced health issues and mortality

Grow-Out Timeline:

  • Average Grow-Out Period: 18–22 months (varies by breed)
  • Estimated Live Weight (LW): 1,200 lbs.
  • Estimated Hanging Weight: 720–770 lbs. (60–64% of LW)
  • Total Estimated Grain Supplement Needed: 5,000 lbs.

Cattle Stage Feeding Guide

Cattle Stage Feed Type Daily Intake Key Nutrients
Growing (6–12 months) (650–850 lbs.) Beef Grower 15% Pellet (Non-GMO) + Free Choice Hay/Pasture 2–2.5% of body weight Energy, Protein, Calcium, Phosphorus High energy, moderate protein, fat
Finishing (12+ months) (850 lbs. to processing) Beef Finisher 12% Pellet (Non-GMO) + Free Choice Hay/Pasture 2–3% of body weight High energy Moderate protein

Beef Grow-Out Feeding Guide

Body Weight (lbs) Feed Type Amount of Grain Mix Amount of Forage
650–700 Beef Grower 15% Pellet (Non-GMO) 12 lbs. Free Choice Forage (Free Choice)
700–850 Beef Grower 15% Pellet (Non-GMO) 14–16 lbs. Free Choice Forage (Free Choice)
850 Beef Finisher 12% Pellet (Non-GMO) Increase gradually over 2 weeks to 20 lbs. Free Choice Forage (Free Choice)
1000 Beef Finisher 12% Pellet (Non-GMO) 24 lbs. Free Choice Forage (Free Choice)
*Expected average daily gain: 2–2.5 lbs.

Feeding Schedule

Time of Day Growing Cattle Finishing Cattle Mature Cattle
Morning (7–8 AM) 50% of daily ration 50% of daily ration 50% of daily ration
Evening (5–6 PM) 50% of daily ration 50% of daily ration 50% of daily ration
For best rumen health, feed cattle twice per day.

FEEDING TIPS FOR BEEF CATTLE

  • Provide Clean Water: Cattle drink 10–20 gallons/day depending on age and weather.
  • Use High-Quality Forage: Good hay or pasture improves growth, digestion, and nutrient intake.
  • Introduce Grain Gradually: Prevents acidosis and digestive upset.
  • Monitor Body Condition: Adjust feed to avoid under- or over-conditioning.
  • Avoid Moldy or Spoiled Feed: Can cause illness or reduce intake..
  • Use Feed Bunks or Troughs: Reduces waste and contamination.
  • Supplement Minerals: Offer free choice trace mineral salt (like Redmond Salt) and a cattle mineral.
  • Feed Consistently: Same time daily to reduce stress and improve intake.
  • Consult a Nutritionist: Tailor rations to breed, age, and production goals.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Overfeeding grain too quickly
  • Ignoring water needs
  • Poor-quality forage
  • Inconsistent feeding times
  • Lack of mineral supplementation

BEST PRACTICES

  • Rotate pastures for fresh forage
  • Use feed analysis to balance rations
  • Keep records of feed intake & weight gain

Disclaimer: The feed performance figures provided are estimates only and are intended for general informational purposes. Actual results may vary based on numerous
factors, and no guarantee or warranty—express or implied—is made regarding feed performance, outcomes, or suitability for any specific operation.

All Stock

Feed Description Item ID
All Stock High Fat – 12% Pellet @ 11/64” A general, all-purpose feed for cattle, goats, and horses. Do not feed to sheep. This feed contains copper and can be harmful to sheep. 14ASHI12@

Turkey Feeds

Feed Description Item ID
Turkey Starter 26% Crumble Non-GMO (0-8 wks) Our high protein turkey starter is specially formulated for young poults. This feed is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet the turkey’s specific high nutrient requirements. This is the only stock turkey starter feed we make, meaning we do not make corn and soy free turkey starter. Turkeys do not perform well on a corn and soy free turkey starter. Poor performance is shown in high death rates and inconsistent growth. 12TKST@CR
Turkey Grower 22% Pellet @ 11/64” Non-GMO (8-12 wks) Our turkey grower formulated to support the continual growth of turkeys. This turkey grower is lower in protein than our turkey starter to support the development of turkeys. 12TKGR@
Turkey Finisher 18% Pellet @ 11/64” Non-GMO (12 wks to processing) This is the last phase of our turkey growing program. It’s lower in protein and higher in energy to help with fleshing of the bird. 12TKFI@

Chicken

Feed Description Item ID
Layer 20% Summer Pellet @ 11/64″ Non-GMO The summer layer is a high protein layer feed, which is best when temperature and humidity is high. During high temperatures, hens will eat less feed but still need the same amount of protein to maintain lay rate. This high protein summer layer feed helps support production during high temperatures. Available from May 1 to September 30. 12LA%@
Layer 17% Pellet @ 11/64″ Non-GMO Our winter layer pellet is perfect for cooler months. When temperatures decrease, a hen’s feed consumption increases because she is eating to meet her energy requirements. In cooler temperatures, her energy requirements are higher. We adjust the protein to energy ratio in our winter layer to compensate for the change in feed consumption and energy requirements of the hen. Available from October 1 to April 30 12LA@
Layer Summer 19% Corn & Soy Free Pellet @ 11/64″ Non-GMO Our Corn and Soy Free Summer Layer. The summer layer is a high protein layer feed, which is best when temperature and humidity is high. During high temperatures, hens will eat less feed but still need the same amount of protein to maintain lay rate. This high protein summer layer feed helps support production during high temperatures. Available from May 1 to September 30 12LA.CSF%@
Layer 17% Corn & Soy Free Pellet @ 11/64″ Non-GMO Our Corn and Soy Free Winter Layer. Our winter layer pellet is perfect for cooler months. When temperatures decrease, a hen’s feed consumption increases because she is eating to meet her energy requirements. In cooler temperatures, her energy requirements are higher. We adjust the protein to energy ratio in our winter layer to compensate for the change in feed consumption and energy requirements of the hen. Available from October 1 to April 30 12LA.CSF@
Chick Starter 21% Crumble @ 11/64” Non-GMO This is a high protein feed formulated for chicks to support the fast growth and development of chicks. The feed is crumbled so that the size is small enough for baby chicks. 12BRST@CR
Chick Grower 19% Medium Crumble Non-GMO This feed is for meat chickens during the growing phase. It’s lower in protein than the starter feed and is formulated for additional growth support. Broilers can either finish on this grower feed or switch to a finisher feed at 5 weeks. 12BRGR@MCR
Chick Finisher 17% Pellet @ 11/64” Non-GMO A lower protein for feed for the finishing phase of the broiler’s life. This feed supports fleshing out the bird while maintaining the fast growth of the finishing phase. Processing at 7 weeks for a 4.5 lb. carcass weight for Cornish cross. 12BRFI@
Chick Starter 21% Corn & Soy Free Crumble Non-GMO For those who do not want to feed corn and soy to their chickens. Corn and soy free broiler starter feed. This is a high protein feed formulated for chicks. It is crumbled so that the size is small enough for baby chicks. 12BRST.CSF@CR
Chick Grower 19% Corn & Soy Free Medium Crumble Non-GMO For those who do not want to feed corn and soy to their chickens. Corn and soy free broiler grower feed. This is a feed formulated for chicks in the growing stage. The average feed intake for corn and soy free feeds is typically higher and it takes longer for these birds to reach a 4.5 lb. carcass weight. Customers can either finish their chicks on this grower feed or switch to a finisher feed at 6 weeks. 12BRGR.CSF@MCR
Chick Finisher 17% Corn & Soy Free Pellet @ 11/64” Non-GMO For those who do not want to feed corn and soy to their chickens. Corn and soy free broiler finisher feed. This is a feed formulated for chicks in the growing stage. It is crumbled so that the size is small enough for chickens in the last stage of their grow-out. The average feed intake for corn and soy free feeds is typically higher and it takes longer for these birds to reach a 4.5 lb. carcass weight. Customers can either finish their chicks on this grower feed or switch to a finisher feed at 6 weeks. 12BRFI.CSF@
Chicken Scratch 12% Non-GMO Textured A combination of Barley, Corn, Wheat, and Oats. This is not a complete feed. 12LASC5@T

Sheep

Feed Description Item ID
Sheep Grower 16% Pellet @ 11/64” Non-GMO A grain mix for sheep. This can be fed to sheep at all stages of life. 11SHGR@

Swine Feeds

Feed Description Item ID
Swine Grower 16% 1/2” Cube Non-GMO A great corn and soy-based pig grower feed. Offer this feed free choice to your pigs. On this program, estimated average daily gain during this period 1.82 lbs. (8 weeks to 4 mo) 13FEGR@50
Swine Finisher 14% 1/2” Cube Non-GMO A corn and soy-based swine feed. We have corn, soybean meal, and barley added to these feeds. On this program, estimated average daily gain during this period is 1.94 lbs. (4 mo to processing) 13FEFI@50
Swine Grower 16%  Corn & Soy Free 1/2” Cube Non-GMO A great, corn and soy free pig grower feed. This is a 1⁄2 in cube. We also offer the corn and soy free swine grower in a pelleted feed. (8 wks to 4 mo) 13FEGR.CSF@50
Swine Finisher 14% Corn & Soy Free 1/2” Cube Non-GMO Our corn & soy free swine finisher. This feed comes in a 1⁄2 in cube. (4 months to processing) 13FEFI.CSF@50
Sow Gestation/Lactation 16% 1/2” Cube Non-GMO Our corn and soy-based feed for pregnant and lactating sows. It is higher vitamin and mineral levels to support pregnant sows and fetus development. This is a great feed for lactating sows as help support lactation. 13SOLC@50
Sow Gestation/Lactation 16% Corn & Soy Free 1/2” Cube Non-GMO Our corn & Soy Free sow feed. This can be fed to pregnant and lactating sows. Higher vitamin and mineral levels to support pregnant sows and fetus development. This is a great feed for lactating sows as help support lactation. 13SOLC.CSF@50

Rabbit

Feed Description Item ID
Rabbit Grower 16% Pellet @ 1/8” Non-GMO Our specially formulated, non-GMO rabbit feed. This is a great feed to offer to your rabbits. It works well for both growing rabbits and does. Give this feed in addition to free choice hay. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean drinking water. 12RAGR@125

Cattle

Feed Description Item ID
Grassfed Beef & Dairy Protein/Forage Supplement V3 Non-GMO @ 1/2″ Cube This is a protein supplement with added minerals that is often fed to grassfed beef or dairy. Feed this protein supplement in addition to forages. It brings in additional protein when forages are not good quality. The ingredients in this product are technically allowed in the grassfed standards. This product has Cinnagar added with helps with rumen efficiency and feed utilization. 11BFGFV3@50
Beef Developer 13% Pellets This is a GMO feed produced by a 3rd party feed mill. [email protected]
Beef Breeder 20% Cubes @ 1/2” Non-GMO Feed this grain mix in addition to forages. The Beef Breeder Cube is higher in vitamins and minerals to help support fetal development and health. This is similar to a range cube. This feed has Cinnagar added to help with rumen efficiency and feed utilization. 11BFBE20@50
Dairy Lactation 16% Pellet @ 11/64” Non-GMO A feed specifically formulated for lactating dairy cows. Feed in addition to forages. The fiber levels in this feed are low. 11DALC@
Beef Grower 15% Pellet @ 11/64″ Non-GMO Our Non-GMO beef grower pellets are designed to provide a balanced diet for beef cattle, ensuring consistent growth and feed efficiency. This non-GMO feed has 15% protein to support muscle development, added fiber to help rumen function, and is fortified with trace minerals and vitamins to support overall herd health. 11BFGF@

Grain

Product Description Item ID
Alfalfa Meal Non-GMO 21ALM
Alfalfa Pellets Non-GMO 21AL@
Barley* 21BA
Corn Non-GMO (Whole, Cracked, Ground) 21CN
Milo* 21MI
Oats* 21OA
Wheat* 21WH
Canola Meal Non-GMO (Expeller Pressed) 22CAM
Roasted Soybeans Non-GMO 21SBRO
Soybean Meal Non-GMO (Expeller Pressed) 22SBM
Sesame Meal* (Expeller Pressed) 22SEM
Field Peas* 21PY
Fish Meal 21FM
Rice Hulls for Bedding 21RH-TS
*THERE ARE NO GENETICALLY MODIFIED OPTIONS FOR THESE GRAINS

Goat

Feed Description Item ID
Goat Show 18% (Medicated) Pellet @ 11/64” This is not a non-GMO feed. A medicated goat feed that works great for growing goats. This feed has Rumensin added, which is a coccidiostat. Rumensin is toxic to horses, so keep away from horses. 11GTSH.R@
Dairy Goat 18% Corn & Soybean Free Non-GMO Pellet @ 11/64” A corn and soy free, high protein dairy goat feed to support milk production. This feed is low in fiber, so it’s important to offer good quality hay and forage in addition to grain mix. 11GTDA.CSF@

Dog Food

Feed Description Item ID
B&G Ol’ Blue High Energy 21% Protein 18% Fat High Energy Dog Food (Green Bag) Best suited to this variety are dogs at or under their ideal weight in a moderate to heavy work (exercise) load. These dogs are typically outdoors at least 50% of the time and are over 1.5 years of age. The caloric density of fat (2.25x carbohydrates) mean’s they’re able to consume less and sustain energy for heavy activity over a long duration (i.e. rabbit, hog, or raccoon hunting dogs). 61BG2118HE
B&G Ol’ Blue Maintenance 21% Protein 9% Fat Dog Food – Maintenance Best suited to this variety are dogs at (or above) their ideal weight and under a low to moderate work (exercise) load. These dogs typically live indoors at least 50% of the time and are over 1.5 years of age. 61BG2109MA
B&G Ol’ Blue All- Natural 24% Protein 16% Fat All-Natural Dog Food Best Suited for dogs with corn allergies or sensitivity immediately. It nourishes dogs from tiny chihuahuas to great big danes, and is the most economical local option for corn, wheat, and soy free pet food in the southeast. 61BG2416NA
B&G Ol’ Blue Builder 27% Protein 18% Fat Dog Food – Builder Best suited for working dogs to help achieve their performance goals. 61BG2718BU

FEEDING TIPS FOR BEEF CATTLE

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