FATTENING RATIONS
This is a tried and tested straight (complete) feed, enriched with arich molasses flavour. The molasses componet of te feed stimulates appetite which enhances high feed intake.This completely balanced meal is designed for finishing (fattening ) beef cattle in pens over a 90day period . Feeding rate will depend on factors such as, live weight and age of the animal, but normally averages between 10-12kg per head per day.
1:13 VELD FATTENING USING MABIKO K BEEF CONCERNTRATE (16% CRUDE PROTEIN)
This ration is mean’t to finish cattle of the veld. In veld fattening Mabiko K is included at a ratio of 1:13 with whole maize by weight. Intake is liited to 3kg/head/day to avoid toxicity and veil underutilization.
1:18 PEN FATTENING MIX USING MABIKO K (13% CRUDE PROTEIN)
Mix Mabiko k with whole maize by weight at rate of 1:18 to obtain a mix of 13% CP. The resultant mixture is a normal pen Fattening Meal and feeding rates are as per similar feed. Roughage should be fed ad libitium when feeding urea and maize.
1:20 PEN FATTENING MIX USING MABIKO K (13% CRUDE PROTEIN)
Mix by weight, Mabiko K with snap corn at rate of 1:20 to obtain a mix of 13% CP. The resultant mixture is a normal Pen Fattening Meal and feeding rates are as per similar feed. Roughage maize should be fed ad libitum when feeding urea with maize.
General Advice
All cattle going in the pen fattening program should be first drenched against roundworms, tapeworm and liver fluke such as to promote efficient utilisation of these rations.
Good quality roughage should be made available even if the one is feeding using a complete pen fattening meal.
When practicing high energy feeding/pen fattening using Mabiko K and maize/snap corn break in the cattle for two weeks to adapt to urea.
Recommended break in programme:
ALLOWANCE
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MAINTENANCE RATIOS MABIKO PREMIX CONCENTRATE
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Mabiko premix is a highly concerntrated beef supplement that can be used to formulate beef rations. the key step is diluting it to Mabiko K guidelines. To make 50kg Mabiko K then formulating differing rations as per Mabiko K guidelines. To make 50kg Mabiko K, mix 42kg Mabiko premix with 8kg molasses. This lowersthe CP content of Mabiko premix (135%) to 115% (Mabiko K)
MABIKO K BEEEF CONCENTRATE
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This is a high protein winter maintenance block, ideal for breeding stock. Mainly used during the dry season for maintaining live weights , though usage can be alll year round and also to improve utilisation of pooor quality roughage such as veld grass, hay or crop residues. To make 100kg block, mix 25km Mabiko K, 25kg fine salt and 50kg maize meal. Add water, mix then harden for 4-7 days. feeding rate of this block will depend on the physiological status and age of the animal, and it is as follows;
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This is a ready to administer salt/protein mix enriched with a molasses favour. It also contains minerals, vitamin a and trace elements, offering a cheap source of protein to supplement cattle in the dry season to meet maintenance requirements.
Improving roughage quality using MabikoK
The optimum treatment of the farage is at 5% urea and the material is incubated for a minimum of 5weeks. A 1000kg of roughage (wheat or barley straw) would need 150kg Mabiko K and 200 litres of water. Whilst 1000kg of maize stover or veld grass would need 150kg Mabiko K and 300 litre water. Ammoiniated roughage is used for maintenance and intake should be limited to 2.5kg/head/day, given in two phases, half the allowance in the morning and half in the evening.
Care and precautions taken when using Mabiko
The folllowing are some guidelines for use of Mabiko K;
- Introduce cattle to salt only for one week prior to feeding Mabiko (salt controls intake)
- Mix uniformly in rations, to avoid overconsumption of urea by individuals
- Drinking water should be 200m awayto avoid ammonia toxicity, for animals being fed Mabiko
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This is a straight feed, specifically formulated for those cattle in very dry areasof drought prone areas. Fundamentally it ensures the survivability of animals under the most adverse grazing conditions by helping in maintaining body condition of the herd. Allowance of this feed is approximately 10kg per head per day or fed as 3% of the body weight.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE USING CHIVAKO 8 PHOSPHATE LICK
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This is a mineral lick with 8% phosphorous, enriched with molasses which gives the product its distinctive molasses smell and taste. This lick is mainly used during the rainy season to supplement phosphorus, and it encourages improved forage intake, growth rate and fertility. Priority should be given to breeding stock and young animals, whereby daily intake is limited to 120g per head.