Using a feeder cattle calculator is an efficient and effective way to calculate the amount of feed that is required to maintain a cow’s health and productivity. This information will help you keep track of your costs and gain a better understanding of how much profit you can make from your animals. It also helps you make decisions on which breeds to keep and which ones to eliminate.
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Preconditioning
Adding value to feeder cattle has become an important part of the beef industry. There are a number of reports showing that preconditioning calves before marketing improves the quality and performance of the animal. However, preconditioning feeder calves is not widely used. Its use may not be cost-effective in all situations.
When preconditioning feeder cattle, it is best to ensure that they are healthy. A good vaccination program and other herd health management practices are needed to keep the animal safe. A nutritional program should also be developed to provide the necessary weight gain.
Weaning
Getting the feeder cattle in the right state before weaning is essential to good growth and performance. This includes managing the feed bunk, water intake, and internal parasite program.
Feeder cattle are usually heifers. However, some bulls are kept for production. They are generally raised to 600 to 800 pounds. They are fed high-energy feeds. These animals are then sent to feedlots to put on weight aggressively.
The K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays studied calves exposed to a feed bunk during the critical first week of weaning. They found that the animals approached and ate from the bunk.
Health protocols
Developing health protocols for feeder cattle involves a lot of research. It also requires a good working relationship with your veterinarian. You need to know what the signs of illness are, and how to treat them. A veterinarian’s knowledge base is vast, and he or she can help you identify your herd’s needs.
For example, a preconditioning protocol for calves may have a higher return on investment than a vaccine program. Similarly, a well-formulated diet for newly arrived stocker calves should optimize intake while minimizing the risk of nutritional disorders.
Genetic profile
Molecular profiling of feeder cattle can help producers make informed decisions and better manage risk. By using genomic data, producers can sort steers into quality grids and select individuals for entry into feedlot stations. These grids may include quality, lean meat yield, and feed efficiency.
Various quantitative traits, including fat cover, marbling, and tenderness, are affected by the environment and management. Several genes are associated with these traits. However, it is unclear whether they are the cause of the trait. Identifying the genes associated with this trait can help scientists understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the trait.
Feeding costs
Increasing feed costs have put pressure on farmer margins. Various alternative feeds, including corn, wheat and cotton, can help reduce the overall cost of feeding beef cattle. But, before making a purchase decision, it is important to consider the amount of money that the ration will cost the producer.
This spreadsheet was developed by the University of Missouri Extension. The dashboard is designed to give cow-calf producers an idea of the daily feed costs associated with raising beef cattle. The feed costs are based on the average prices for several different supplements, which are purchased from area feed mills.
Having a solid reputation is important for a feedyard. But it takes time. Often, a positive reputation is the result of several years of good performance.
The feedyard premium for feeder cattle is the product of a number of factors. One of the most common is health management. This includes treatment for scours and antibiotics. Typically, the price of feeder cattle varies depending on the severity of the condition.
Another factor is the degree of muscle mass. Larger framed cattle require heavier feeding. For this reason, they are usually sold at a discount.
Breakeven analysis
Whether you are a feeder or a feeder manager, a breakeven analysis can help you understand how to get the most out of your cattle. It can also help you decide when to sell your calves.
To calculate a breakeven price, you must have the average weight of your feeder cattle. You also need to know how much feed you will need to provide. This is often based on the cost of corn per bushel.
You can use a spreadsheet-friendly breakeven calculator, such as the CAB breakeven calculator, to estimate your breakeven purchase price. The calculator lets you enter your input costs and three possible selling price scenarios. You can also tweak your estimate to reflect your individual farming practice.
