92 Management, Technology, and Growth Composition: Have They Affected Carcass end Goals?

Abstract

Abstract For years, researchers have quantified and appraised feed additives, steroidal implants, and various management strategies, such as grain processing, limit feeding, or slick-bunk management, on the sole basis of responses in rate and efficiency of gain. Until recently, cattle were mainly sold on live basis; however, many cattle fed today are marketed on a carcass value basis. Cattle uniformity at slaughter is important economically for cattle producers, particularly for those trying to meet grid standards and minimize carcass discounts. Management factors to control rate of growth from 50 to 65% of final shrunk body weight, program feeding a high-concentrate diet to achieve targeted rates of gain, or by offering ad libitum access to forage-based diets can be used to delay fattening. Delaying fattening allows cattle to achieve heavier weights at similar final fat content. Management factors to control intake early in the feeding period to reduce weight gain variation, or using terminal sorting, allows for increased uniformity of cattle loads at harvest. Sensor-based sorting technologies can allow for cattle to be placed in similar contemporary groups to minimize discounts at the lot level when pens of cattle are marketed. Pharmaceutical technologies such as steroidal implants delay fattening and allow for increased harvest weight of cattle. Beta-adrenergic agonist application during the final weeks prior to harvest enhances muscle growth at the expense of fat deposition, allowing for improved feed efficiency during the late feeding period and increased days on feed. Complementary breeding systems that capitalize on terminal sires mated to maternal lines adapted to specific environments would generate cattle optimized for growth potential and carcass weight. This presentation will review factors impacting carcass end goals and future research needs to improve understanding of how management and technology influence growth composition, attainment of carcass end goals, and economic returns.