A high number of beef farmers have moved towards bull finishing systems in recent years, particularly under 16-month bull beef.

While fodder beet, whole crop and silage are all effective feedstuffs, the most common is a high-concentrate diet, also known as "ad-lib".

Bulls need to be on ad-lib feeding for at least 80 days prior to slaughter. One hundred to 120 days, or four months, is preferable. Ad-lib feeding in continental bulls usually consists of 12-13kg/head/day concentrates plus roughage.

With the highest proportion of beef calving taking place in spring, many beef bulls are not far off moving towards ad-lib feeding. If they are going to be starting on ad-lib soon, it is important to start planning now to implement a gradual build-up period.

Problems

The transition from a store to ad-lib diet can cause problems if not managed properly.

Acidosis is the biggest concern. It is caused by rapid fermentation of the high levels of starch and is most likely in high-grain diets.

Gradual adaptation to the diet is critical. Pinpoint when you need to be at ad-lib and allow an introductory period of three to four weeks for the changeover.

Many farmers will also change the ration at this point. Again, sudden changes can be a problem.

Rolled barley is better than ground barley

It is a worthwhile exercise to mix the new and old ration at a 25:75 ratio for a week, then at a 50:50 ratio for another week, before a final week at a 75:25 split.

In terms of ingredients, maize has quite a low risk of causing digestive upsets as it is slowly digestible. Barley has a medium risk. Rolled barley is better than ground barley. Try to limit wheat inclusion to less than 3kg/head/day as it is very rapidly digestible.

Roughage

A minimum level of a palatable roughage should always be provided to maintain rumen function too. Approximately 1kg DM/day or 8-10% of the total dietary DM is optimum. Straw is the best form of roughage.

Water is also hugely important. When talking about water, there are two factors; the cleanliness of water and the availability of water.

A finishing animal eating 14kg-15kg of DM will drink up to 60l of water each day. Ensure troughs are big enough to allow cattle to gulp water as opposed to just licking it.

Buffers or yeast will help, but will not make up for poor management of any of the aforementioned factors.