16 - Cattle Finishing Systems

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the most common systems of finishing cattle. All systems described and detailed in the programs are designed to start at the point when the initial health conditioning period of 2 to 4 weeks is completed. Characteristics of cattle finishing systems cover choice grades of steer calf, heifer calf, yearling steer and two-year-old steer, select grades of the same breeds, standard grades of yearling steer and two-year-old steer. Self-feeding of a balanced diet containing approximately 20% of roughage is practical and uncomplicated. For starting fresh cattle, a mixture of 8:1 has been used as a starting point in all feeding programs for many decades without encountering any problems. Self-fed cattle have the option of regulating their own intake due to influence of their environment better than the feedlot operator is able to estimate. Perhaps hand-fed cattle do not make these adjustments as readily. Some feedlots will tend to follow a “recipe” approach to feeding finishing cattle. In this type of program, purchased cattle are virtually scheduled for a definite sale date, plus or minus a few days. This is particularly characteristic of larger feedlots where overhead cost is fairly constant. One can feed show calves quite similar to other finishing cattle and such cattle will respond well if they have the genetic potential to do so. Undoubtedly, precedent and prejudice enter into the practice of castrating male calves intended for the feedlot in the United States and Great Britain.