Carcass Gain, Efficiency, and Profitability of Steers at Extended Days on Feed

Authors

Robert G. Bondurant, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jim C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kate Brooks, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rick N. Funston, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kelly Bruns, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

2016 Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Comments

© The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Steers were individually fed for 22 and 44 days longer than the industry average marketing point of 0.5” backfat to determine carcass- based gain, efficiency, and deposition changes throughout the feeding period (142, 163, and 184 days on feed). Premiums and discounts for yield grade, quality grade, and overweight carcasses were applied to determine profitability. Feeding steers for 22 and 44 days longer increased carcass weight, quality grade, and yield grade 4 and 5s. Steers fed 44 days longer had increased total revenue and profit per head despite a decrease in live gain and efficiency.