In this blog, we’ll explore how the right beef finishing feed can promote lean growth, improve kill-out rates, and help you finish strong—even in tough seasons.

Kathryn Thompson :: Thursday 14th August 2025 :: Latest Blog Posts

Finishing Strong: Nutrition Tips for Prime Beef

With the UK facing prolonged drought conditions, many beef producers are seeing reduced grazing and tighter forage stocks heading into winter. Now more than ever, a focused feeding strategy is essential to finish cattle efficiently and meet market specifications. The finishing phase is your final opportunity to maximise carcass quality and value. In this blog, we'll explore how the right beef finishing feed can promote lean growth, improve kill-out rates, and help you finish strong-even in tough seasons.

The Finishing Phase: Why It Matters

The finishing phase is critical in determining the final quality and value of your beef cattle. It typically covers the last 60 to 120 days before slaughter, where the aim is to build muscle, achieve optimal fat cover, and hit target weights that align with processor requirements. During this period, nutrition plays a defining role-not just in driving daily liveweight gains, but in shaping carcass characteristics such as conformation, fat class, and meat quality.

Failing to meet these finishing targets can result in cattle being downgraded or fetching lower prices at market. Inconsistent weight gain or underfeeding can also lead to poor feed conversion, increased days to finish, and ultimately reduced profitability. Whether you're selling direct to abattoirs or through live markets, achieving a high-quality carcass starts with a tailored feed plan. That's why getting your beef finishing feed right is key to unlocking the best return on your investment.

Drought Conditions: A New Feeding Challenge

Much of the UK is facing a significant drought, with March 2025 the driest since 1961 and April seeing just half the average rainfall-placing several regions into formal drought status. Reservoirs and rivers, particularly across the Midlands and northwest, are now at record?low levels, putting both crop and pasture growth under significant pressure. 

This prolonged dry spell has slowed grass growth, reduced silage yields, and left grazing availability critically low just as cattle rely on summer pasture, not to mention the impact on first-cut forage for winter feed. AHDB has urged livestock farmers to assess summer and winter feed requirements consistently, review silage stocks and consider fast-growing catch crops to maintain forage supply.

Meanwhile, FWI's "Farmer Focus: Drought to downpour cancels the epic harvest" describes how some producers have resorted to buffer feeding cattle as grass reserves diminish, while others reported silage being impossible to harvest due to erratic rainfall patterns.

In this context, relying solely on pasture is risky. Supplementing with a carefully formulated beef finishing feed becomes crucial-not only to compensate for sparse grazing and lower forage quality but also to support consistent, lean growth and carcass targets.

Choosing the Right Beef Finishing Feed

Selecting the right beef finishing feed is essential to optimise growth, feed efficiency, and carcass quality-especially when forage is limited or inconsistent. A well-balanced finishing ration should be high in energy, contain adequate starch for muscle development, and offer sufficient protein to support lean tissue growth. The right blend of nutrients encourages uniform fat cover, helping cattle meet desired slaughter specifications.

Starch sources like barley or maize provide the energy needed for finishing, while digestible fibre helps maintain rumen health. A touch of molasses can improve palatability and intake, particularly when cattle are adjusting from forage-based diets. Minerals and vitamins should also be balanced to support metabolism and immunity.

At BW Feeds, we specialise in bespoke beef finishing rations tailored to your available forage, breed type, and finishing targets. Whether you're compensating for low grass quality or stretching silage stocks, our feed plans ensure performance without compromise.

Practical Feeding Tips for Optimal Carcass Yields

To get the most from your beef finishing feed, consistency and attention to detail are key. Start by gradually introducing finishing rations over 10–14 days to allow the rumen to adjust-rapid changes can cause digestive upsets or acidosis, especially with high-starch diets. Once cattle are settled, aim for regular feeding times and minimise ration variability to support steady growth.

Monitor performance closely. Use this data to adjust feed rates and ensure animals are on track to meet market specs. Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water-intake can drop if hydration is compromised, reducing feed efficiency. Also watch for signs of stress, illness, or lameness, which can knock cattle off course during this critical phase.

Group animals by size or growth stage where possible, so stronger individuals don't outcompete others. Provide sufficient trough space to reduce bullying and ensure equal access to feed.

By managing feeding routines carefully and using a targeted finishing feed, you'll support efficient, lean growth and maximise carcass quality-delivering better results and a stronger return at sale.

Stretching Forage Stocks Without Sacrificing Quality

With silage yields down and grazing under pressure, stretching your forage without compromising performance is a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is to balance limited or lower-quality forage with high-energy concentrates. This not only maintains daily liveweight gains but also ensures cattle reach slaughter condition on time.

Feeds rich in starch-like rolled barley or maize meal-can provide the energy needed to compensate for poor grass or silage. Adding digestible fibre from ingredients like sugar beet pulp helps support rumen function and feed efficiency. Molassed blends can also improve palatability, encouraging intake when forage is in short supply.

Custom-mixed rations allow you to make the most of what's on farm while filling the nutritional gaps. At BW Feeds, we work with you to build a balanced finishing diet that stretches forage stocks without slowing progress-helping you protect margins and finish cattle to spec despite challenging conditions.

Why Work with BW Feeds

At BW Feeds, we understand that every beef enterprise is different-especially in a year where drought and forage shortages are disrupting finishing plans across the UK. That's why we offer fully customised beef finishing feeds, tailored to your forage availability, target weights, and breed type.

Our experienced team works alongside you to develop efficient rations that promote lean growth, improve kill-out percentages, and deliver market-ready carcasses-without wasting valuable feed or time. We also offer on-farm support, ration formulation, and feed analysis to ensure you're getting the most from every kilo.

In a season where planning ahead is more important than ever, don't leave your finishing strategy to chance. A smart, well-balanced feed plan is the key to consistent performance and strong returns.

Get in touch with BW Feeds today to discuss your beef finishing feed needs-let's help you finish strong, even in a tough season.