News Update

Stocker Management Affects Feedlot, Carcass Performance
Feb. 9, 2007

Many producers believe the feedlot phase is the only one that influences beef quality grade, but the cow-calf and stocker phases also contribute to marbling. “As a stocker operator, you know subsequent feedlot performance and quality grade help determine value for the cattle you sell,” Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB), said.

Speaking at a Pfizer-sponsored stocker conference during the Cattle Industry Annual Convention, Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 in Nashville, Tenn., the CAB vice president explained cattle health at that stage of production has an effect on economics and feedlot performance.

“It’s been an amazing three and half years for those in the cattle business, but the real question is the future,” Corah said. “We see a new price structure for corn, escalating land prices and cattle marketed on individual merit. All of these factors impact the stocker industry dramatically.

“After years of shortening the stocker phase, cattle feeders will likely see more time between the cow-calf and feedlot segments as lower-cost weight gain systems are sought,” he added.

An Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity study shows cattle treated once for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) had a mortality rate three percentage points higher than those never treated. Cattle with two treatments had nearly a 10% mortality rate.

Cattle facing health challenges also suffer in feedlot gain and efficiency, Corah said. The average daily gain (ADG) of cattle with no treatments is almost 0.3 pounds (lb.) higher than those twice treated.

“This translates to a difference in dollars returned per head,” Corah explained. “The total disparity between those cattle treated twice and those never treated equals more than $200 in lost profit.”

Corah discussed implant programs and gave three suggestions:

1) When cattle are adapting to the stocker program, delay implanting
2) Avoid aggressive implants during this period
3) Question whether implants are even needed during the stock phase

The stocker industry must move beyond the old strategy of merely maintaining calves for later compensatory gain. Cattle that barely get by as stockers are often severely compromised in their ability to grade.

Studies at Oklahoma State University show that effective deworming in the stocker phase can lead to a 20% increase in marbling and ability to grade Choice after finishing, Corah noted.

Other research in Nebraska showed an even greater effect from supplementing stockers on grass. “With today’s growth and quality genetics, use of a pasture creep or other supplementation can add a pound to average daily gains and increase later ability to grade without deterring feedlot performance,” Corah said. “What’s more, it can boost carrying capacity by 40% on increasingly expensive land.”

Corah closed with data from the National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) that showed the top concerns with feedlot cattle today. “Those problems are deficient marbling, variability of product and excess fat,” he said. “All of these issues can be eliminated or diminished during the stocker phase if we pay attention to these options.”

— Release provided by Certified Angus Beef.