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Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Steers Grown and Finished under Different Nutrition and Management Programs¹

New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003

Abstract

An evaluation was made of feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of 365 crossbred steers assigned randomly to five growing programs: (1) high concentrate diet (HC) throughout growing to 273 kg and finishing; (2) 50% concentrate diet to 273 kg (50C-273) and then HC; (3) 50% concentrate to 364 kg (50C-364) and then HC; (4) irrigated wheat pasture to 273 kg (WP-273) and then HC and (5) irrigated wheat pasture to 364 kg (WP-364) and then HC. Overall, greater gains (P<.01) were obtained for the HC (1.22 kg/d) and 50C-273 (1.15 kg/d) treatments than for the other three treatments. Carcass quality grade tended to be higher for steers grown on treatments HC, 50C-273 and WP-273 than for those grown on treatments 50C-364 and WP-364. No significant differences were noted in slaughter and carcass weight, fat thickness, skeletal maturity, lean maturity, confirmation or USDA yield grade. Steers grown on HC had higher (P<.05) dressing percentage, larger ribeye area and more kidney, pelvic and heart fat than those in other treatment groups. Separation of the 9-10-11 rib revealed no differences (P>.05) in percentage lean, fat and bone. This study would indicate that even though desirable carcass characteristics are achieved, cattle should not be maintained on either wheat pasture or a 50% concentrate diet to 364 kg to produce maximum weight gain during the finishing phase and to reduce the overall length of a feeding program.

¹ Journal article No. 780, Agr. Exp. Sta., New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces 88003.

² Present address: New Mexico Military Inst., Dept. of Agr., Roswell 88003.

³ Dept. of Anim. and Range Sci., Las Cruces 88003.

⁴ Clayton Livestock Research Center, Clayton, NM 88415.

⁵ Present address: Texas A&M Univ., College Station 77843.

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