Frame Score, Grazing and Delayed Feedlot Entry Effect on Performance and Economics of Beef Steers from Small- and Large-Framed Cows in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System

Abstract

When selling small-framed steers at weaning, profitability is diminished. The hypothesis is that by using a vertically integrated business model that includes retained ownership, extended grazing, abbreviated feedlot finishing, and selling at slaughter, profitability would increase. Crossbred yearling steers (n = 288) from small size Aberdeen Angus (Lowline) × Red Angus × Angus × Angus cows and moderate to large size Red Angus × Angus × Simmental × Gelbvieh cows calved May−June were randomly assigned (complete randomized design), in a 3 y study, to feedlot control (FLT) and extended grazing (GRZ) frame score treatment groups. Mean frame score for FLT were small frame (SF) 3.82 and large frame (LF) 5.63, and for GRZ, SF: 3.77 and LF: 5.53. Least-square means were utilized to identify levels of effects and to control family-wise error adjusted with Tukey test. The FLT control steers were housed in the feedlot and fed growing diets and subsequently high energy corn-based diets for 218 days. The GRZ steers grazed a sequence of forages (native range, field pea-barley mix, and unharvested corn) for 212 days and then were transferred to the feedlot and fed high energy corn-based finishing diets for 82 days. The SF GRZ steers grew more slowly grazing native range and annual forages compared to GRZ LF steers, but SF steer grazing cost per kg of gain was reduced 7.80%. Grazing steers did not grow to their full genetic potential. Slower growth during grazing allowed LF and SF steers to grow structurally before feedlot entry creating a compensatory feedlot finishing growth response. Overall, grazing steer performance exceeded steer performance of the FLT control treatment and LF grazing steers had the highest rate of gain, and lowest feed cost per kg of gain. The GRZ steer feedlot days on feed were reduced 136 days and total feed intake was reduced resulting in LF and SF grazing steer feed cost reductions of 175.9 and 165.3%, respectively. Extended grazing also resulted in LF and SF grazing steer hot carcass weights to be greater than control LF and SF steers and SF grazing steers had greater dressing percent, and marbling score. Carcass quality grade, meat tenderness, and cooking losses were similar. System net returns were highest for LF (USD 911.58), and SF (USD 866.61) grazing steers. Managerial modification combining retained ownership, extended grazing, and delayed feedlot entry increased profitability and eliminated market bias.

Sustaining livestock: minimum technical requirements and quality standards for Angus Grade - Black Cattle in Sragen Regency in supporting livestock preservation

“…Chest Circumference is related to body weight and indicates the ability of feed intake [13] The minimum quantitative requirements for Angus Grade -Black Cattle have significantly different values compared to the national standard values in Indonesia for Simmental [14], Limousin [15], PO [8], and Brahman cattle [16], respectively. These distinct values indicate the identity and differences in breeds of the cattle, and they can be used for estimating body weight to evaluate the production capacity ability of the cattle [17]. In Figure 1 and 2 showing a male and a female Angus Grade -Black Cattle, illustrated that this catlle is a derivative of Aberdeen Angus Catlle.…”

“…Specific Quantitative Requirements: the quantitative requirements for Angus Grade -Black Cattle can be found in Table 2 and 3. The body measurements can be used to estimate body weight, that's a critical factor in assessing the cattle's production capacity [11], To modify cattle size, one can opt for either selective breeding over generations or crossbreeding smaller frame-size cattle breeds with larger frame-size cattle breeds [12]. Chest Circumference is related to body weight and indicates the ability of feed intake [13] The minimum quantitative requirements for Angus Grade -Black Cattle have significantly different values compared to the national standard values in Indonesia for Simmental [14], Limousin [15], PO [8], and Brahman cattle [16], respectively.…”

Reproductive readiness in angus grade-black cattle: evaluating energy status and body condition for optimal breeding preparation

“…It underscores the importance of accurately assessing body proportions and energy status for effective cattle management, including ensuring suitable frame scores for their environment and improving readiness for breeding. This system can also indicate if cattle frame scores are suitable for their environment [13]. That's why this study aims to enhance the readiness of Angus Grade-Black Cattle for breeding by evaluating their energy status and body condition.…”