Producing Fat Yearlings for Spring and Late Summer Market

Abstract

Range bred Hereford calves of choice quality make economical gains and attain a satisfactory slaughter condition when full fed grain, plus roughage, for 186 days in dry lot. Similar calves fed half a grain ration, plus roughness, during the winter and then full fed on pasture are fat enough for slaughter after 75 days of full feeding. When full fed on pasture 168 days such cattle are fat enough to produce beef of choice quality. Their production requires nearly a year's time and a relatively large amount of grain. They utilize a limited amount of pasture. Calves of like breeding, type, weight, and quality fed roughage only during the winter and then full fed on pasture are fat enough for slaughter after 112 days of full feeding. After 168 days of full feeding they produce beef of choice quality. Their production requires nearly a year's time. Eough-age for winter feeding is usually a cheap feed. Their summer gains are more rapid and economical than cattle wintered more liberally. Range bred Hereford calves of choice quality, wintered on half a grain ration plus roughness, make relatively small gains in weight when grazed without grain during early summer. They grow but do not fatten. Unless they are to be fed at least 60 days after the grazing period the practice is of doubtful value and its use depends upon existing conditions. Calves of choice quality, wintered on roughness only, grazed 56 days without grain, then full fed grain 112 days, are fat enough to sell for slaughter but not advantageously. They make a maximum use of roughness and pasture with a minimum grain consumption. Thirty to sixty days more full grain feeding is required to make them sell to best advantage as fat cattle. Yearling cattle make the maximum amount of edible, though not choice, beef from the use of a minimum amount of grain when wintered on roughness only, grazed without grain during early summer and full fed until they are fat enough to sell for slaughter cattle, but are not prime fat.