Comparison of alternative backgrounding and feedlot system strategies on performance of May-born, Red Angus cross yearling steers in the Nebraska Sandhills

Objective

Our objective was to examine the physical performance and economic outcomes of differing backgrounding and feedlot systems on May-born yearling steers.

Materials and Methods

Steers weaned in January (n = 392) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 backgrounding treatments for 4 mo: given ad libitum meadow hay and 1.81 kg/d of a 33% CP supplement (HI) or allowed to graze dormant subirrigated meadow with 0.45 kg/d supplement (LO). In May, one-half of the steers from each backgrounding treatment were blocked by BW and transported to a feedlot system (S-YRL) before slaughter at 18.5 mo of age. The remaining steers grazed upland range (L-YRL), were transported to a feedlot mid-September, and were slaughtered at 21.5 mo of age. The net return of treatment for each study year was applied to 12 consecutive years of economic conditions.

Results and Discussion

There were no interactions between treatments. Backgrounding period ADG was 0.24 ± 0.03 kg/d greater among HI calves than among LO calves, which led to 31 ± 3.6 kg greater BW after backgrounding and 20 ± 7.7 kg greater BW at slaughter. However, LO calves had $209.46 ± $12.82 per head greater net return. Greater nutritional value in S-YRL steers at an earlier age led to 0.38 ± 0.03 kg/d greater ADG after the backgrounding period and 0.01 ± 0.003 greater G:F. However, L-YRL steers entered the feedlot 4 mo later with 99 ± 7.5 kg greater BW, a tendency for 0.08 ± 0.04 kg/d greater ADG in the feedlot, 39 ± 9.7 kg greater BW at slaughter, and $148.86 ± $38.72 per head greater net return. Marbling score, LM area, and YG were greater or tended to be greater for L-YRL steers, which led to greater empty body fat.

Implications and Applications

Backgrounding with greater inputs decreased net return, whereas extended grazing followed by a relatively shorter feedlot period decreased feed costs and increased net return.