The Value of Castration: Analyzing Bull Discounts in Feeder Cattle

Shelby A. Sumner and Kellie Curry Raper

Journal of the ASFMRA, 2026, vol. 2026

Abstract: It is crucial for cattle producers to understand how management practices influence market prices for their livestock. This paper assists cow-calf producers by providing insights into the financial implications of the castration decision prior to marketing feeder cattle. Using data from Oklahoma feeder cattle auctions, this study quantifies the impact of marketing feeder cattle as bulls on prices across weight categories. The results indicate an average bull discount of $11.69 per hundredweight that remains constant as animal weight increases, translating into per-head revenue losses ranging from $35 to $111 depending on animal size.

Keywords: Livestock Production/Industries; Marketing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:jasfmr:410268

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.410268

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