Effect of Feedlot Finishing Compared with Grass fed Beef Following Bale Grazing and Delayed Feedlot Entry on Steer Performance, Carcass Measurement and net Return

Abstract In a grass-fed system grazing study, yearling crossbred Aberdeen Angus x Red Angus x Angus x Angus steers (n = 72; 3 reps/8 steers/rep) were assigned to either a grass-fed annual forage (GFANN) or a grass-fed native range (GFNR) system, and compared with a NR feedlot control system (FLT), in a delayed feedlot entry program, to determine the effect of grazing and feedlot finishing performance, carcass measurements, and systems net return. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. After 176.0 grazing days, GFANN, GFNR, and FLT steers were transitioned to free-choice cover crop hay bale feeding (BGRZ) and 3.09 kg daily of a wheatmidd-based supplement (SUP). GFANN and GFNR received hay and SUP for 92 d; FLT control steers received hay and SUP for 69 d before transfer to the University of Wyoming feedlot. Grass-fed and FLT steers were harvested at federally inspected abattoirs in Green Bay, WI, and Ft. Morgan, CO, respectively. BGRZ gain and ADG for GFANN and FLT were greater than GFNR (P = 0.075; P = 0.072). When GFANN and GFNR bale grazing finishing costs were combined with FLT cost, feed cost/unit of gain were greater for GFANN and GFNR compared with FLT (P = 0.006). Steer FLT HCW was 26% and 34% heavier (P = 0.001), marbling score was 32% and 38% greater (P = 0.001), and carcass value was 16% and 24% greater (P = 0.001) than GFANN and GFNR, respectively. Net return was -$88.25, $62.70, and $160.22 for GFANN, GFNR, and FLT, respectively. Farming and long-haul transportation cost for GFANN and GFNR negatively affected net return.