Effects of Sorting Cattle by Weight and Time of Year on Finishing Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economics

Authors

Daniel R. Adams, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Matt K. Luebbe, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
William Griffin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2009

Comments

Published in 2009 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report (Lincoln, NE: December, 2008). Copyright © 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Sorting steers for three different finishing systems (calf-feds, summer yearlings and fall yearlings) resulted in no differences in performance or average carcass characteristics compared to unsorted steers. Sorting decreased variation in hot carcass weight and number of carcasses over 950 lb. Sorting did not increase profit when calf-feds or fall yearlings were sold live compared to unsorted calf-feds and fall yearlings. However, when sold on a grid basis, sorting did increase profit for summer and fall yearlings.