Finishing Cattle

The finishing period is when beef animals are fed an energy-dense diet so that they will grow rapidly and add muscle/meat to their frame and optimise fat cover in preparation for slaughter.

Chapter 34 concentrate-feeds (PDF) in the Teagasc Beef Manual covers what should be looked for in concentrate feeds, how you can ensure that you are getting value for money and whether or not you should consider home mixing. A description of the common ingredients available to beef farmers is also given.

Chapter 38 feed-options (PDF) details the different diets that varying categories of beef cattle can be finished on. The key targets to be achieved are outlined.