Evaluation of Cow and Calf Performance and Profit Potential in Beef Systems

Authors

Rosemary Anderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Richard J. Rasby, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Casey Macken, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 2003

Comments

Published in 2003 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2002 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A three-year experiment was conducted to determine the production efficiencies of two beef systems. Spring-calving, crossbred cows were either wintered on pasture (Control System) or on corn stalks (Treatment System). Control System steers were transported to a feedlot, fed a finishing diet and harvested. Treatment System steers were wintered on corn stalks, grazed pasture, fed a finishing diet, and harvested. Cow weights and condition differed but pregnancy rates were similar. Control System steers spent more days in the feedlot, had lower feed conversions and higher marbling scores. Treatment System steers had higher average daily gains and produced heavier carcasses.