Title
Effect of Length of Feeding Period on Performance of British and Exotic Crossbred Yearling Heifers
Document Type
Report
Report Number
Cattle 81-14
Publication Date
1981
Summary
Seventy-two heifers were fed for 47, 61 and 75 days to determine the optimum feeding period for exotic cross and black baldy heifers. Average daily gains and feed conversions of the heifers were similar among treatments. Carcass weight, quality grade and yield grade increased with time on feed. Fat thickness, quality grade and yield grade increased faster for the black baldy heifers. Cost per pound of gain was similar for all treatments.
The optimum weight at which to slaughter the black baldy yearling heifers appeared to be between 1000 and 1050 lb., both from a quality and economic view point. The optimum weight for slaughtering the exotic cross heifers was apparently not reached, as the last slaughter group was still gaining rapidly and efficiently with little increase in condition.
The limited research conducted in this study indicates that a producer with mixed lots of cattle needs to be aware of the weight at which different types of cattle reach optimum condition. The feeder has greater flexibility in marketing the larger framed exotic cross type cattle as compared to the relatively smaller framed English breeds.
Number of Pages
4
Type
text
Format
application/pdf
Language
en
Publisher
Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Experiment Station, South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Whittington, D.; Kuhl, G.; Dittman, A.; and Esser, M., "Effect of Length of Feeding Period on Performance of British and Exotic Crossbred Yearling Heifers" (1981). South Dakota Cattle Feeders Field Day Proceedings and Research Reports, 1981. 14.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/sd_cattlefeed_1981/14