When to Move from Maxi Weaner to Maxi Grower

The move from Maxi Weaner to Maxi Grower should be guided by liveweight, growth stage, and production goals rather than a rigid calendar date. Review the transition once cattle pass approximately 180 kg liveweight. Ensure stock is eating confidently, using troughs steadily, and backed by quality pasture or roughage before stepping up to the grower stage.

Maxwelton’s product pathway is simple to follow: Maxi Calf for young calves, Maxi Weaner from roughly 120 kg through the weaner stage, and Maxi Grower once stock moves beyond about 180 kg. However, the most effective feed transition is never a blind calendar event.

Liveweight serves as your primary benchmark, but you must also confirm that cattle are healthy, eating consistently, handling bunk competition well, and backed by suitable pasture, hay, or chaff. A feed-stage transition should accelerate your growth path, not disrupt rumen stability.

1. Use Liveweight as the Primary Threshold (~180 kg Benchmark)

Maxwelton recommends continuing Maxi Weaner until cattle pass approximately 180 kg liveweight before reviewing the move to Maxi Grower.

• Weigh the Mob: Use repeatable scales wherever practical rather than estimating from the gate. Breed, frame size, gut fill, and coat condition can make visual weight estimates surprisingly inaccurate.

• Draft the Tail: If a mob averages 185 kg, a wide weight spread means a significant tail of lighter cattle may still sit well below the 180 kg mark. Drafting stock into uniform groups keeps lighter cattle on the higher-protein weaner stage while heavier stock step forward.

2. Align the Feed Stage with Production Objectives

Switching to Maxi Grower reflects a shift in management goals. Once cattle successfully navigate post-weaning stress, the focus shifts toward backgrounding for feedlot entry, replacement heifer development, young bull growth, or maintaining a rising plane of nutrition through dry periods.

Before changing rations, define your targets:

• Set Clear Targets: Establish a target exit weight and date.

• Calculate Required Gain: Calculate the required rate using our practical guide on average daily gain in growing cattle to ensure your feeding plan stays on track.

3. Manage Rumen Adaptation & Ration Changes Safely

Transitioning between grain-based rations must be handled deliberately. Rumen microbes require time to adapt to changes in diet composition, and sudden shifts can disrupt intake or cause loose manure.

1. Follow Product Directions: Transition stock steadily according to Maxwelton feed directions.

2. Maintain Roughage & Water: Keep roughage and clean drinking water available constantly.

3. Prevent Gorging: Never allow feeders to run completely empty and then refill them to capacity, which invites gorging and digestive upset.

4. Log the Event: Record the transition date, average weights, and feed intake. A smooth transition should look quiet and routine: calm feeding, steady intake, normal manure, and consistent daily gain.

4. Audit the Lighter Tail Before Moving the Mob

Do not let the heaviest cattle in the paddock make the transition decision for the entire herd. Observe lighter or more timid stock at the feed bunk:

• Check Bunk Space: Are smaller animals getting equal access, or are dominant cattle excluding them?

• Inspect Health: If a subgroup looks hollow or fails to gain weight, investigate underlying health issues or worm burdens rather than assuming a new feed stage will fix the issue.

• Draft for Consistency: Keeping lighter cattle on Maxi Weaner cattle feed until they pass 180 kg guarantees every animal receives the nutritional support it requires.

To build a long-term feeding strategy across changing pasture conditions, review how to plan a supplement feeding program for growing cattle.

Where Maxi Grower Fits in Your Feeding Program

Maxwelton’s Maxi Grower cattle feed is formulated specifically for growing beef cattle over approximately 180 kg.

• Nutritional Benchmarks: Features 15.5% minimum Crude Protein and 12.0 MJ ME/kg minimum on a dry-matter basis to support frame and muscle development.

• Performance Additives: Formulated with sodium monensin plus Bovacillus to support rumen efficiency, feed conversion, and weight gain. For full specifications, explore our complete Maxi Grower overview guide.

• Feeding Guidelines: Designed to be fed alongside pasture, hay, or chaff according to current product directions to keep growing stock on a rising plane of nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight should cattle be before moving to Maxi Grower? 

Maxwelton positions Maxi Grower for cattle over approximately 180 kg liveweight.

Should every animal in a mob switch feed on the same day? 

Not necessarily. If a mixed mob has a wide weight spread, draft stock into uniform groups so lighter animals stay on Maxi Weaner until they reach the 180 kg benchmark.

Can Maxi Grower replace pasture or roughage entirely? 

No. Maxi Grower is a grain-based feed formulated to be fed alongside adequate pasture, quality hay, or chaff to maintain healthy rumen function.

Need Help Reviewing Your Calf Program?

Contact Maxwelton Feed & Grain with your cattle numbers, average liveweight, available forage and growth targets. The team can help you discuss a practical feeding option for your conditions.

Talk to the Maxwelton Feed & Grain team.

Feeding requirements vary between cattle, properties and seasons. Follow current product directions and seek qualified livestock-nutrition or veterinary advice where required.

For advice on feeding rates, product selection, or choosing whether Maxi Grower, Maxi Calf, or Maxi Weaner is the right fit for your cattle program, contact Maxwelton Feed & Grain. 

Phone:

Andrew Pauli: 0429 442 627
Alison Pauli: 0427 129 381
Email: admin@maxwelton.com.au
Location: 18 School St, Maxwelton, Queensland 4822