When it comes to feeding programs for beef show cattle, there’s rarely a “one size fits all” solution. A number of factors impact your feeding decisions including whether you’re trying to support the growth and development of your show cattle, or if you’re looking to finish your cattle through a feed that is formulated for optimal bloom. At Co-op, we have a number of solutions for your show cattle including ELITE BREEDER™ PURSUE™ and ELITE BREEDER PREVAIL™.
ELITE BREEDER PURSUE
For producers looking to support the growth and development of show cattle and 4-H calves, PURSUE is a great addition to their feeding program. PURSUE is a textured ration with a moderate energy level. The feeding rate should be gradually increased to one percent of body weight along with good-quality forage and water sources.
ELITE BREEDER PREVAIL
For producers looking for a finishing diet to give their 4-H or show cattle that show-day bloom, PREVAIL is formulated for optimal finish. As a textured finisher ration, its higher energy content is derived from corn and barley grains versus oats. This feed should be gradually increased to two per cent of body weight and fed along with good-quality forage and water sources.
Nutritional Benefits
As a feed program, PURSUE and PREVAIL work in sequence to meet the changing nutritional requirements of beef calves while they grow. Containing various levels of rolled oats, barley and corn, the Elite Breeder feeds have chelated trace minerals for increased bioavailability for improved performance, including growth and fertility - especially during stress and when antagonists such as molybdenum, sulphur and iron are present in the diet. Not only that, but they’re also proven to improve hoof and hair quality.
“The chelated trace minerals, the yeast culture and the high-quality protein of these feeds is going to really drive the results that producers are looking for in their show cattle,” said Co-op Ruminant Nutritionist, Amanda Van De Kerckhove. “They’re going to be healthy, bright, have good hooves and hair coats, and they’re going to be able to stand up in the long-term if they’re put into a reproductive herd.”
The benefits don’t stop with the overall appearance of the show cattle, they also extend further to their immune function, fertility and gut-health. The organic selenium found in PURSUE and PREVAIL increases bioavailability which supports the animals’ immune function and fertility. Additionally, their high vitamin levels enhance the growth and development of the animal while also supporting immune function.
The yeast culture and beet pulp found in PURSUE and PREVAIL help to regulate intake and maintain gut health by improving fibre digestion, maintaining a healthy rumen and reducing digestive upset. Both PURSUE and PREVAIL contain highly digestible, high-quality protein, including modified (cooked) soybean meal that supports growth and reproduction.
“The rumen bypass protein provided by the modified soybean meal is highly digestible,” said Van De Kerckhove. “This improves the protein quality getting into the small intestine so the animal can really use that protein to lay down a foundation of muscle rather than fat.”
In terms of appearance, PURSUE and PREVAIL look dry in comparison to other show feeds. Typically, a significant amount of wet molasses is added to textured feeds to promote palatability; PURSUE and PREVAIL use SweetLass, a specialized sweetener that encourages intake without the need for excessive molasses.
“By using SweetLass, we’re able to keep that intensity of flavour, that palatability effect that molasses has traditionally supplied in textured feed but keep the actual moisture levels lower and extend the shelf-life of our feed,” said Van De Kerckhove.
When should producers switch from PURSUE to PREVAIL?
Much like there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to cattle feed, there’s no one feed plan that fits all show animals either. It’s not just a linear program, producers will often switch back and forth between feeds to reach their desired outcome. When it comes to transitioning your animal from PURSUE to PREVAIL, it’s typically a decision that’s left to your discretion and is dependent on the type of cattle (small vs large frame), and your overall goal and desired finish/condition for that animal.
To learn more about PURSUE or PREVAIL, please contact your local Co-op Feed Team Member.
