PSI-12 Performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef heifers managed in a bedded hoop barn versus an open feedlot in Central Missouri

Abstract

Abstract There is strong interest in feeding cattle in Missouri, but climatic extremes warrant exploring indoor management systems. Therefore, our objective was to compare performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef heifers managed in a bedded hoop barn versus an open feedlot. On February 14, 2018, a total of 60 (297.5 ± 34.53 kg BW) crossbred beef heifers were allocated randomly to two pens (4.8 m2 per head) in a hoop-barn (Indoor; n = 30) and to two pens (27 m2 per head) in an open feedlot (Outdoor; n = 30). Heifers had ad libitum access to a commercial feedlot ration and water. Heifers were weighed at the start, approximately every 30 d, and at the end of the study and then were transported and harvested in two groups based on visual BF evaluation at a commercial abattoir. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Start and final BW and final gain did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) between treatments. However, d 28 BW, final ADG, and d 119 gain tended (P ≤ 0.12) to be greater from Indoor compared to Outdoor. Also, d 58, d 89, and d 119 BW and d 28, d 58, d 89, and d 119 ADG, and d 28, d 58, and d 89 gain were greater (P ≤ 0.07) from Indoor compared to Outdoor. All carcass measurements were similar (P ≥ 0.40) between treatments. Therefore, finishing cattle in a bedded hoop barn may improve some performance measurements without impacting carcass quality and yield attributes. Hoop barns appear to be a viable consideration for finishing beef cattle in Missouri. This project was funded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Agricultural Foundation Beef Initiative Grant Program.