Effects of Feeding Broiler Litter-Based Diets on Live Animal Performance and Economics with Cull Beef Cows1

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential of feeding and marketing of cull beef cows over a 3-yr period. From 65 to 81 thin cows were purchased in October (over a 2-to 3-wk period) each year from an auction barn. Cows were allocated by BW, body condition score, and breed type to 4 treatments (TRT) with 2 replicates per TRT. The TRT were 1) 80% composted broiler litter (BL) and 20% corn (C), 2) 80% BL and 20% soybean hulls (S), 3) 70% BL and 30% C, and 4) 70% BL and 30% S. The BL diets and hay were provided ad libitum. Length of trials ranged from 99 to 113 d, beginning in mid- or late-November and ending in early- or mid-March. Cows removed from each trial due to mortality or morbidity ranged from 9.6 to 16.0%. There were no differences (P = 0.16) among TRT for BL diet or hay DMI. Diet costs varied (P < 0.005) with BL diets including C having greater (P < 0.05) costs than BL diets with S. Average daily gain, body condition score gain, and final BW were not different (P > 0.13) among TRT. At the end of each trial, cows were sold individually at a local auction barn. Overall final sale price ($0.99/kg) was 25% greater than overall purchase price ($0.79/kg). Final sale price (P = 0.10) and income generated (P < 0.05) tended to be greater or were greater for TRT 1 and 4 than for TRT 2 and 3. In conclusion, health status of cull cows purchased from an auction barn and seasonality in market value are important factors to consider for feeding and marketing of cull beef cows.