Economic Impact of Bale Grazing on Delayed Feedlot Entry Steer Performance, Carcass Measurement, and Net Return

Abstract Senturklu et al., (2018) defined merits of delayed feedlot entry while grazing in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS). In a three-year follow up study, yearling steers (n = 144) grazed either an ICLS or a native range system (NR). After 177.9 days, free-ranging ICLS and NR steers were fed cover crop hay bales 43.6 days to determine transition period bale-grazing on finishing performance, carcass measurements, and system net return. ICLS and NR gains did not differ (P = 0.24). ICLS 43.6-day bale grazing gain was greater (1.38 vs. 0.80 kg; P = 0.01). Feedlot arrival weight was greater for ICLS compared to NR (569.3 vs 530.1 kg; P = 0.04) and fed 95.7 days. Systems end weight (P = 0.19), gain (P = 0.57), ADG (P = 0.06), and gain cost (P = 0.71) did not differ. ICLS steer hot carcass weight (HCW: 444.8 vs. 419.2 kg; P = 0.03) and fat depth (1.35 vs. 1.17 cm; P = 0.04) were greater. NR steer dressing percent (62.48 vs. 61.83 %; P = 0.01) and muscling ratio to HCW (3.96 vs. 3.81 sq. cm.; P = 0.007) were greater. Choice quality grade did not differ (98.6 vs. 98.6; P = 1.00). Annual cow and steer winter feed cost were $752.00. ICLS grazing cost for NR was $115.30, pea-barley $74.98, unharvested corn $108.87, and cover crop $58.82 totaled $357.97 compared to $207.77 for the NR system. ICLS and NR steer bale and protein-energy supplement cost was $110.47 vs. 103.05, finishing cost $310.57 vs. 313.67 (P = 0.84), and total expense was lower for the NR system ($1531.01 vs. $1376.49). Carcass value was greater for the ICLS steers compared to NR steers ($2013.93 vs. $1921.67; P = 0.03). ICLS and NR systems’ net returns were ($482.92 vs. $545.18). NR system net return was $62.26 greater.