The Effect of Early versus Normal Calf Weaning on Feedlot Performance and Herd Management: A Northern Plains Case Study

Scott Fausti, Douglas Landblom, Patricia Johnson, Martin Beutler, Roger Gates, Robin Salverson, Hubert Patterson and Steve Paisley

Journal of the ASFMRA, 2007, vol. 2007, 5

Abstract: A two-year study of early vs. normal weaning of steer calves was conducted in the western Dakotas in 2003-04. The analysis concludes that early weaning improves feedlot production efficiency and reduces per-day and per-pound feedlot production costs. However, early weaned steers are lighter at slaughter; therefore, early weaning lowers carcass revenue relative to normal weaning. The early weaning effect on the profitability of retaining calves through the feedlot stage was not statistically significant. However, the analysis indicates that early weaning does have a positive effect on cow health, pasture utilization rates, and that it therefore has the potential to be an effective drought management tool for grazing cattle during periods of inadequate precipitation

Keywords: Livestock Production/Industries; Productivity Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:jasfmr:189896

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.189896

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