Influence of years of Mississippi Farm to Feedlot Program participation on feedlot performance and carcass traits1

The Mississippi Farm to Feedlot Program is an extension program intended to evaluate cattle feedlot and carcass performance and to develop recommendations for producers based on program results to improve farm management practices. Records of steers (n = 1,719) consigned to the Mississippi Farm to Feedlot Program from 1993 to 2006, representing 9 unique farms of origin, were used to evaluate feedlot performance and carcass characteristics within farm over time. Program participation years were categorized into distinct groups: yr 1 to 3 (period 1; P1), yr 4 to 6 (P2), and yr 7 to 9 (P3). Across farms, age at feedlot entry was similar (P = 0.12) among periods. Yet initial BW increased (P < 0.01) by P3. Morbidity rate, days medically treated, and treatment cost increased (P < 0.01) by P3, but mortality rate was similar (P = 0.68) among periods. Feedlot ADG, final BW, HCW, LM area, and net return from finishing improved (P < 0.0001) by P3. Marbling score (P = 0.10), USDA QG (P = 0.49), dressing percentage (P = 0.66), backfat thickness (P = 0.22), LM area per unit HCW (P = 0.12), and calculated YG (P = 0.25) were similar among periods. In general, producers progressively selected for cattle with greater growth rates without changing QG or YG. Farm of origin × program participation year group interactions were significant (P < 0.05) for all response variables except mortality rate (P = 0.28), and they show that individual results were quite variable. On-farm calf health protocols were identified as a key item for future improvement.