Sorting Strategies in an Extensive Forage Utilization Beef Production System

Authors

James C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Casey Macken, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jeffrey Folmer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mark Blackford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
D. J. Jordon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

1-1-2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

One hundred sixty crossbred steer calves were stratified by weight and allotted into four groups to test three sorting strategies against an unsorted control to compare methods of sorting long yearling steers to decrease variation in carcass weight and fat thickness, increase pounds of carcass weight sold, and increase profitability. Sorting by weight upon entry into the feedlot or by weight and fat thickness at the end of the feeding period increased average carcass weight. No statistical differences in variation or profitability were found, although numerical differences were present.