Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Economic Analysis of Calf-Fed and Wheat Pasture Yearling Systems in the Southern Great Plains1

Moderate-framed Angus steers from a single cow herd were utilized in a 2-yr study that evaluated performance, carcass traits, and production economics of calf-fed vs. yearling systems. After a brief preconditioning period, weaned steer calves were placed on a high concentrate finishing diet (CF; n = 63) or grazed wheat pasture 164 d before feedlot entry (YF; n = 62). Resulting feedlot entry weight and days on feed were 228 kg and 169 d, respectively, for CF and 445 kg and 88 d, respectively, for YF. Final BW for YF was 87 kg heavier than CF (P < 0.01). For YF, ADG and DMI was greater and G:F was less than CF steers (P < 0.05). Hot carcass weight was 55 kg greater and LM area was 8 cm2 larger for YF compared with CF steers (P < 0.01). Dressing percentage was not different between systems (P = 0.90). System did not affect 12th-rib fat, USDA YG, or marbling score (P > 0.27). Profitability tended (P = 0.09) to favor the CF over the YF system, although breakeven selling price was greater (P < 0.01) for CF vs. YF. Live and carcass price was greater (P = 0.02) for the CF system. Net profit for CF and YF was not different (P > 0.10) when quality or yield grid markets were applied. Inclusion of a long-term winter wheat grazing period increased hot carcass weight by 17% with no detrimental effects on carcass characteristics.