Perspective and Commentary: Summary of the Special Issue on calf and stocker performance effects on feedlot performance and thoughts on future research

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this article was to summarize information in 7 original research articles and 2 reviews submitted, reviewed, and accepted for this Special Issue on possible preweaning calf and stocker calf performance factors influencing subsequent feedlot performance. Additionally, thoughts regarding future directions for research are presented.

Sources

A call for papers was released in early 2024 for topics that evaluated the effects of postweaning management on subsequent feedlot performance in beef cattle. Seven original research articles and 2 reviews were submitted.

Synthesis

This Special Issue represents research findings and reviews of information to expand our understanding of factors in the preweaning and stocker phases that might influence subsequent feedlot performance. Information is presented in the Health, Nutrition, and Production and Management sections. The segmented nature of the beef industry leads to segmented areas of research focused on the individual cow-calf, stocker, and feedlot segments. Thus, there is a dearth of consistent information examining long-term effects of pre- and postweaning treatments and factors across the various segments, including feedlot performance and carcass characteristics.

Conclusions and Applications

Our goal for this Special Issue was to identify and address some of the knowledge gaps. As noted in the 2 reviews, data regarding long-term effects needs to be collected in a more standardized and consistent way among various research locations. Although the research findings submitted to this Special Issue add to our body of knowledge, there are still many other avenues to explore. However, given the complexity of a system-type approach to fully explore these questions, it is imperative that researchers and Extension personnel collaborate (across state and regional lines) to find ways to address these needs.