HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Taylor, R. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Taylor, R. E.

Genetic Implications in Economy of Feedlot Gain¹

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80521

Abstract

Feedlot gain has a high economic value to the cattle feeder and genetic differences in ability to gain are evident. The importance of cattle with high compensatory gains will decline as the demand for beef continues to grow. These cattle, while economically feasible for the feeder, are inefficient and low profit potential for the cow-calf producer due to maintenance and time costs. The seedstock producer must ignore the ineffective selection methods of the past and identify lines of breeding superior for rapid, efficient gains and other economically important traits. Cowmen can produce calves with the potential of reaching slaughter weights at 13 to 15 months of age. Their major genetic inputs will result from effective bull selection and a well managed crossbreeding system. Mature size of the breeding animals will likely increase where selection for postweaning gain exists and various crossbreeding systems are implemented. This should pose no problem if net profit per breeding female is utilized as an endpoint in evaluating the economy of feedlot gain.

¹ Invitational paper presented at the symposium, "Factors Affecting Economy of Gain in Feedlot Cattle," 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science, August 3, 1970, Pennsylvania State University.