With calf prices at near record highs, it makes more sense than ever to utilize Rumensin^® to maximize weight gains on high quality small grain forages this spring. Rumensin makes additional energy available to the animal through manipulation of rumen fermentation. Based on research growth trials, it can be calculated that the additional energy derived from feeding 200 mg of Rumensin daily to growing calves is equivalent to the energy derived from roughly 1.0 lb of corn. With so many Rumensin supplement options available, why are STOCKADE Rumensin Pressed Blocks the best option for stocker cattle operators wishing to feed Rumensin?

No added protein & energy

The protein and energy levels in small grain forages (wheat, rye, oats) are typically adequate to meet a stocker calf’s needs, so paying for extra protein and energy in the form of a medicated feed mixture is a waste. Plus, the microbes that digest grains compete for space and resources in the rumen with the microbes that digest forages. So why feed a grain mixture when we are trying to enhance the population of fiber-digesting microbes in the rumen?

Consistent intake

Additionally, supplement intake is more consistent with STOCKADE Rumensin Pressed Blocks than with a medicated feed mixture where intake is based on dominance rank and bunk space. Highly palatable STOCKADE Rumensin Pressed Blocks are designed to consistently attract calves even under lush growing conditions; however, calves will not over-consume blocks. Maintenance merely involves keeping the proper number of blocks available to the calves at all times.

Calves typically gain 0.20 to 0.25 additional pounds per day* as compared to calves receiving no Rumensin. Calves will regularly consume 3.2 to 8 oz of the STOCKADE Rumensin pressed block per head per day depending upon bodyweight. This consistent intake means that input costs are known, thus allowing the stocker cattle operator to accurately estimate operating costs and determine breakeven costs. The average cost** for STOCKADE Rumensin pressed blocks is $0.14 per head per day. Use of STOCKADE Rumensin pressed blocks results in an extra profit of $0.19 to $0.27 per head per day on these stocker calves, assuming that the value of the extra gain is $1.65 per pound.

All-in-one mineral nutrition

Minerals and vitamins are a very small and yet extremely important part of cattle nutrition. Minerals and vitamins play vital roles in growth, immunity and reproduction. Inadequate intake of any of the essential minerals and vitamins results in reduced feed intake, decreased average daily gains, inefficient feed conversion, poor immunity, and decreased reproductive performance. The result is cattle that don’t grow or reproduce as quickly or efficiently as they could. STOCKADE Rumensin pressed blocks deliver full NRC-recommended levels of essential minerals and vitamins in addition to Rumensin. You need only provide this one block to meet all of their supplement needs.

Convenience

STOCKADE Rumensin Pressed Blocks offer ease of use that other supplements do not. These weather-resistant blocks can be placed directly on the ground where desired, eliminating the need for bunks or special feeders. Due to their convenient size, they are ideal for rotational pasture situations and can be easily moved when the cattle move.

In conclusion, lightweight stocker calves have the ability to convert cheap forages into rapid gain. Use of Rumensin will increase the amount of energy available to the calves through manipulation of ruminal fermentation, thus resulting in increased weight gain and feed efficiency. Research has shown that stocker cattle gain an additional 0.2 to 0.25 lb* per head daily on average compared to stocker cattle that receive no Rumensin. The STOCKADE Rumensin Pressed Block is an economical, convenient method to deliver Rumensin as well as essential minerals and vitamins to stocker calves under pasture conditions. STOCKADE Rumensin Pressed Blocks pay for themselves in terms of increased gain and feed efficiency. For more information about these supplement blocks and how they can benefit your stocker operation, contact your local STOCKADE dealer or call 800-835-0306.

*While these results are typical, individual weight gains may be more or less than that stated due to differences in cattle types, environment, management practices, etc.

**Costs will vary according to average intake rate as well as location. These costs are based on 4 oz intake per head per day.

Rumensin^® is a registered trademark of Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN