FEEDLOT PERSPECTIVE

Feedlot

Perspective

From the Feedyard’s Perspective: How to Top the Sale?

By Twig Marston, PhD, Field Beef Nutritionist Hubbard Feeds - a Division of Alltech Inc.

Topping the feeder calf market is complex but achievable. At the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Cattlemen’s College, presenters Randall Raymond, DVM, from Simplot; David Townbridge, Gregory Feedlots; and I explored the topic "From the Feedyard's Perspective: How to Top the Sale." While topping the feeder calf market is complex, it can be achieved with these animal husbandry and management practices.

Buyers Reward Feeders Raised to Build Value as They Advance

Many factors determine feeder calf value. Feeder calf producers seeking to top the market found that buyers are becoming more demanding and desire cattle that are more than just uniform in weight, color and/or quality. Cattle buyers are rewarding producers who raise and manage to build value as they advance through every production phase. Feeders who understand the importance of best management practices from conception to harvest — when the number one goal is to provide the highest quality, most wholesome protein possible to consumers. Feed efficiency, performance, health, carcass quality and body composition ultimately set the steer’s value when harvested. Our production systems have done a tremendous job in using modern-day genetics, breeding selection, nutritional management and providing exceptional environments to maximize the value of beef. Reviewing recent data taken over the past two decades shows a positive advancement in the percentage of carcasses grading Choice or greater and the production of beef per acre, per animal and pound of feed. This data is extremely impressive. But several areas continue to nag at the beef industry and need immediate attention to improve the value of feeder cattle.

The beef industry has quickly moved toward improving management decisions that are both good for the feeder calf and promote positive results for the finishing phase, post-harvest fabrication and when beef is served on a plate. Often, management decisions are complex because

many factors have influenced which management regime will maximize the value of the cattle. It is no longer a one-size-fitsall management system. The attributes of each pen of cattle will dictate how that pen will be managed. From the 50,000foot level view of the beef industry, animal health is one of the most glaring problems faced in beef production.

Quality Feeders Start with Genetics, Dam Nutrition and Environment

Today’s cattle are a true reflection of their genetics, maternal environment, pre/post-weaning intervention, weather exposure, stress experiences and vaccination programs. After decades of research and practical experience, cattlemen and women have learned the value of crossbreeding. The strength of heterosis reaches past growth, maternal characteristics and carcass traits, extending to the immune system and the ability to fight off diseases. Nutritional management decisions that allow cows to consume diets adequate in protein, energy and trace minerals during pregnancy are shown to improve the fertility of future generations, optimize growth and improve their carcass quality. Additionally, the quality and quantity of colostrum are directly affected by the nutritional status during the third trimester and stimulate a calf’s immune system. Applying the right management at the right time maximizes the positive responses that make feeder cattle worth more than their mismanaged contemporaries.

Sanitation and Nutritional Programs are Key to Calf Health

Cattle managers can make healthier feeder cattle by increasing their resistance to pathogens and by decreasing disease challenges. Implementing low-stress cattle handling techniques, using effective vaccination programs and providing nutritional programs that promote diets balanced in nutrient composition and fortified with additives are basics to promoting health. The foundation to a preventative health program is to begin with clean, abundant water followed by feeding quality ingredients that balance the diet for protein, energy, minerals, trace minerals and vitamins.