This
year marks the 40th Anniversary of the
introduction of the Tend-R-Leen Program as the first
no-roughage feeding program for dairy steers.
Here
is a glimpse of how the program has evolved.
Late 1950’s
The idea of Tend-R-Leen and raising steers on a
no-roughage program was the result of research
trials conducted on milk replacers. The milk
replacer trials left an ample supply of bull calves
available for feed trials. These trials lead to
testing a number of different concentrates with a
goal to produce quality beef at the lowest possible
cost.
The first trials were conducted with roughage, which
everyone considered the cheapest source of
nutrients. Results quickly proved that the more
grain that was fed, the faster the cattle gained.
1959
The first steers were fed a no-roughage ration. The
initial test group included an equal number of
Herefords steers and Holstein steers,
which average 130 pounds. The ration consisted of
cracked corn and protein supplement. During the
trial, no nutritional problems occurred. At 600
pounds, the Herefords were extremely fat, but the
Holsteins were well proportioned (muscled) and
making very impressive gains. After 11 months on
feed, the Holsteins weighed approximately 1,000
pounds, The meat from the Holsteins was sampled and
proved to be excellent in flavor and quality.
1960-1963
Numerous trials were conducted using different
formulations and rations. Many visitors to the
research farms could not believe the success of the
program.
Continued trials included feeding free choice hay.
The calves that were fed hay ate nearly as much
cracked corn and pellets as those that did not. The
average daily gain was about the same for both
groups but corn/protein required per pound of gain
was higher for those receiving hay. At slaughter,
those receiving hay did not grade as high as those
fed straight corn and protein.
Results showed it takes more energy to digest the hay
than it supplies.
1963
Tend-R-Leen was introduced as the very
first no-roughage feeding program.
1964
Experiments were conducted with whole shelled corn.
The results showed decreased liver abscesses, due to
the scratch factor. The switch was made in feed
recommendations and widely accepted by producers
with improved performance of the animals.
Over the years,
The Tend-R-Leen program has changed very little with
the exceptions of feed additives. These additives
improved feed efficiency, increase rate of gain and
reduced the incidences of liver abscesses.
Today
Many
cattle are sold based on dressed weight. The price
is based on grade and yield. Tend-R-Leen feeders are
reporting yields of 61 to 62 percent and about 80
percent grade choice. The results are far superior
to the roughage fed Holstein that yields 57 percent
or less and grade standard.
