Optimise cattle growth, performance, and profitability with stage-specific nutrition...

Beef cattle production isn’t one-size fits-all. Each stage of development requires a different nutritional approach to ensure maximum performance, feed efficiency, and ultimately, profitability.

Feeding the right ration at the right time is key to helping your cattle hit target weights, meet market specs, and reduce costly delays or inefficiencies. 

In this blog post, we will talk about the three critical stages of beef production - Rearing, Growing, and Finishing - and providing practical feeding guidance.

Stage 1: The Rearing Phase (While being milk fed)

Goal: Maximise early growth and 200-day weight

The rearing phase sets the foundation for your animal’s lifetime performance. During this period, the focus is on getting the best start and building frame and muscle structure. 

Key Nutritional Needs:

• Protein: 16-18% to support rapid growth and development

• Energy (ME): 10.5-11.5 MJ/kg DM

• Starch: to support rumen development 

• Essential Vitamins & Mineral: Vitamin A, D, E and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, etc)

• Water: Always provide clean, accessible water

Feeding Recommendations:

Use quality forages and introduce a palatable starter ration early if applicable to the system. 

Progressive Calf Nuts - an 18% starter nut designed to support rumen development.

• Contains quality protein sources to support frame growth. 


• Contains Safmannan to support intestinal health and development and to support the immune system.

• Contains Nustart to support rumen development and animal health.

Progressive Rumistart Pellets - an 18% starter pellet designed to support rumen development.

• Contains quality protein sources to support frame growth.

• Contains Nustart to support rumen development and animal health.

• Contains Safmannan to support intestinal health and development and support the immune system​.

• Suitable for feeding to calves and lambs from 3 days of age.

• Contains Ammonium Chloride​ to reduce the risk in urinary crystals in tup lambs

• Good sugar beet levels to ensure it feeds well through Advantage feeders

Why it matters: Calves with strong early growth rates are more likely to achieve better Daily Liveweight Gains (DLWG) in later stages.

Stage 2: The Growing Phase (Weaning to Pre-Finishing Weight)

Goal: Controlled frame growth without excessive fat gain

This is where cattle build lean muscle and increase body frame. The key is to balance protein and energy to encourage growth while keeping body condition in check.

Key Nutritional Needs:

• Protein: 14-16% to maintain muscle growth

• Energy (ME): 10.5-11.5 MJ/kg DM

• Controlled Starch/Sugars: <30% to avoid premature fattening

• High Fibre: NDF > 40% to stimulate rumen function

• Water: Always provide clean, accessible water

Feeding Recommendations:

Continue with a forage-based diet supplemented with balanced concentrates.

Prime Beef - a 16% protein nut with moderate starch and sugars for efficient growth.

• Contains a range of energy sources to support rumen health and growth rates.

• Excellent for creep feeding and growing youngstock.

Alka Rearer - a 17% protein nut packed with high-quality energy and Alkagrain to support healthy rumen development.

• Includes Alkabarley to enable higher starch and sugars without the risk of acidity in the rumen.

• Suitable for feeding from 10 weeks of age.

Top Tips: Weigh cattle regularly and monitor DLWG. Aim for 0.9-1.3 kg/day in stores. Adjust feeding based on performance and frame score.

Stage 3: The Finishing Phase (Final Weeks Before Slaughter)

Goal: Maximise weight gain, fat cover, and conformation

The finishing phase is short and intensive. The goal is to drive rapid growth while avoiding rumen acidosis from high-starch diets. Fibre is still essential, even in this energy-rich period.

Key Nutritional Needs:

• High Energy (ME): >12 MJ/kg DM

• High Starch/Sugar: >35% for quick gains

• Moderate Protein: 13-15% to maintain tissue (But balanced to energy supply)

• Effective Fibre: To support rumen function (NDF > 25%)

• Water: Always provide clean, accessible water

Feeding Recommendations:

Introduce finishing diets gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Alka Finisher - a 15% protein nut containing very high levels of a range of starch and sugar sources to encourage excellent finish.

• Includes 15% Alkabarley to enable higher starch and sugars without the risk of acidity in the rumen.

• Suitable for feeding from 10 weeks of age.

• Contains Ammonium Chloride​ to reduce the risk in urinary crystals in tup lambs

Super Beef - a 14% protein nut containing high starch and sugars.

• Contains Acid Buf and Actisaf to help reduce any potential issues with acidosis.

• Contains Availa minerals to support foot health and feed efficiency.

Home n' Dry Treated Cereal - allow higher cereal inclusion safely by creating alkaline conditions in the rumen. For more information about Home n’ Dry, contact your DN Ruminant Sales Specialist. 

Why it Works: Treated cereals help prevent pH challenges, boost digestibility, and support microbial health—leading to faster, safer finishing.

Feeding cattle isn’t just about putting weight on - it’s about doing it efficiently, safely and in line with market goals. Whether you’re managing native breeds on grass or finishing continentals indoors, choosing the right feed for each stage is your best bet for success. 

📞 Need help tailoring rations to your herd? Contact your local DN Ruminant Sales Specialist or call us on 01200 420201.

Contact your local DN Ruminant Specialist