Experts say all producers should investigate how their cattle are performing
Even if producers are not retaining ownership of feeder calves through the feedlot, it’s still important to keep tabs on the carcass quality of said feeders.
Using data on the carcass quality of the calves born on the farm can aid producers in making appropriate breeding and management decisions to produce higher-quality beef and get a better price for their animals.
To aid producers in understanding the carcass quality of the feeders they sell, the University of Missouri Extension offers the opportunity to participate in the Missouri Steer Feedout Program. Through this program, producers can (ideally) prove the merit of their steers and receive valuable data on carcass quality and gains per day.
“Our steer feedout program gives the small producer a chance to sample a few of their steers twice a year in the feedlot and in the carcass. That’s the only way they truly have data or facts that their cattle are better than average and deserve a premium when they sell,” Eldon Cole, Extension livestock field specialist, explained.
If the carcass quality results obtained, either through the steer feedout program, DNA testing or data shared by a reputable feedlot and/or processor, are favorable, Eldon encouraged producers to share and spread those results.
“If the results are positive, don’t keep those results a secret, share with your marketer the next time you sell siblings to those you fed out,” he said.
The use of EPDs can also help producers market their steers.
“If a producer uses outstanding carcass merit bulls, they need to let their marketing agency know well ahead of the sale the genetic package they’re offering,” Cole said.
It is also helpful for producers to feed out some of their own cattle from time to time to see the progress of their steers themselves and obtain the results firsthand.
As with most data, carcass quality results are useless if producers aren’t using them to make better breeding and management decisions that lead to their desired end goal.
“Progress in genetic merit within your herd can be made, but you must use genetic selection tools to do it. That means selecting bulls, either AI or natural, that can move your herd in the right direction. AI to top bulls will pay off the fastest,” Cole said.
Producers need to make sure their management is solid as they use the data they receive for herd improvement.
“How an animal is raised and managed and the environment it lives in will allow the animal to either reach its genetic potential or not,” Dr. Robert Wells, livestock consultant with Noble Research Institute, said.
Caring about the carcass quality of cattle and using that knowledge to further the breeding and management program, can have a broader impact than producers might initially think.
“I’d especially think adoption of new genetic technology should help the next generation coming on the scene. If you have a younger family planning to take over, now is the time to get serious about adopting technology to help them become known as having modern, productive cattle. Use all the technology available to show buyers your cattle’s merits,” Cole said.
This should include AI to high ranking bulls, genomic testing replacement heifers, and feeding out some of a producer’s own cattle.
Paying attention to the carcass quality and using all the available tools to make improvements will pay off in the long run.
