Feedlot Marketing/Sorting Systems to Reduce Carcass Discounts

Authors

Rob Cooper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dillon Feuz, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 1999

Comments

Published in 1999 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Published by Agricultural Research Division & University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension , Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Abstract

A project involving 4,348 cattle and five commercial feedlots in Nebraska was conducted to evaluate marketing/ sorting systems to reduce overweight and overfat carcasses . At reimplant time, cattle were weighed and fat depth estimated either by ultrasound or by manual rib palpation. Cattle heavier and/or fatter than a predetermined weight and fat depth were identified for early sale. The system of sorting did not reduce carcass discounts. Reimplant fat depth was poorly correlated to carcass fat depth. At reimplant time (~90 days prior to slaughter), we were unable to consistently identify cattle which would become Yield Grade 4 carcasses.