Effects of pre-finishing plane of nutrition of stocker steers grazing introduced pastures on finishing performance and efficiency

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of pre-finishing plane of nutrition of stocker steers on subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics over 2 years.

Materials and Methods

Crossbred steers (n = 140/ yr) without supplement (FC), 1.2 kg/d supplemental dried distillers grains (DDG) cubes (FS) on fertilized pastures, or 0.75% of BW per day of supplemental DDG cubes on unfertilized pastures (SP) were followed through the finishing phase in a commercial feedyard to evaluate carryover effects on performance.

Results and Discussion

Supplementation increased initial feedlot BW (P < 0.01) versus FC. Steers in FC gained faster (P = 0.02) before re-implanting in yr 1 and tended (P = 0.09) to gain faster in yr 2. Although ADG from re-implant to slaughter in yr 1 (P = 0.89) did not differ, FC tended (P = 0.08) to gain faster than FS and SP from re-implant to slaughter in yr 2. Steer BW at slaughter did not differ (P ≥ 0.23), but FC required (P < 0.01) greater days on feed than FS and SP. Overall, FS and SP consumed less feed (P < 0.01) and had lower feed costs (P < 0.01) relative to FC steers. Total system net returns were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for FS and SP than FC.

Implications and Applications

Enhancing the plane of nutrition with an extruded DDG cube during grazing affected subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics, which increased overall profitability when producers retain ownership through finishing.