Top tips for finishing cattle off grass

As we move through the heart of summer and into early autumn, many Irish beef farmers are preparing to finish cattle off grass. From mid-June to October, this approach offers a cost-effective alternative to winter housing, but is it the right choice for your farm?

While the answer depends on your specific setup, there are a few key factors to consider, such as the animal’s current live weight, the quality and availability of grass, the level of supplementation required, and the target carcass weight. Above all, meeting market specifications for carcass weight, conformation, and fat cover is essential to secure the best price at slaughter.

Why Grass-Based Finishing Makes Financial Sense

Grazed grass remains the cheapest feed available to Irish farmers. In contrast, housing cattle for finishing can increase the cost per kilogram of live weight gain by up to 50%. That’s a significant margin, one that can be avoided by making the most of your pasture.

To do this, focus on producing and maintaining high-quality grass throughout the grazing season. Energy is the key driver of live weight gain, and top-quality grazed grass delivers it best. Aim for grass covers of 1,200 to 1,600 kg DM/ha (8–12 cm in height), and use a rotational grazing system to keep cattle in each paddock for no more than three days. Grazing down to 3.5–4 cm helps maintain regrowth and nutritional value.

Supplementation: Timing Is Everything

As summer turns to autumn, cattle’s nutritional demands increase while grass quality declines. This is where supplementation becomes essential.

In late summer, when grass is still plentiful and nutritious, a supplementation rate of 3–4 kg/head/day is usually enough. However, if grass supply is poor or limited, this should be increased to 5–6 kg/head/day to maintain performance.

Average daily gains (ADG) of 0.8 kg/day are achievable in August, but this drops to 0.5–0.6 kg/day from September to November. Timely supplementation helps maintain finishing momentum and ensures animals reach market specifications.

Balancing Protein and Energy

During the finishing phase, steers and heifers require relatively low protein but high energy. Since grass typically provides enough protein at this stage, a high-energy ration with 11–12% protein is ideal. The goal is to lay down fat cover, not build more muscle.

Young bulls, however, are the exception. They continue to grow at a faster rate and require higher protein levels to support muscle development.

Finishing cattle off grass can be highly profitable. By focusing on grass quality, understanding your animals’ nutritional needs, and supplementing strategically, you can meet market demands and avoid the higher costs of winter housing.

Every farm is different, but with the right approach, grass-based finishing remains a cornerstone of efficient, sustainable beef production in Ireland.

For more information on finishing cattle at grass, contact your local Twenty20 Beef Club representative.

Emily Williams – 086 145 4772
Michelle Ward – 086 027 1942

First Published 22 July 2025