Variation in liveweight gain of feedlot steers in southern Queensland

Abstract

Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod. 1996 Vol. 21 VARIATION IN LIVEWEIGHT GAIN OF FEEDLOT STEERS IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND P.J.S. HASKERAC, R.G. HOLROYDAC, V.J. DOOGANAc and K.J. ROWAN B * Dept of Primary Industries, Animal Research Institute, Yeerongpilly, Qld 4105 B Dept of Animal Production, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343 'CRC Cattle and Beef Industry (Meat Quality), University New England, ArmidaIe, N.S.W. 2351 The rise in demand by domestic and export markets for a high quality uniform beef carcase has led to more steers being finished in feedlots. However, the profitability of feedlotting is small and economic survival hinges on efficiency (Ryan 1990). Lack of published data prevents conclusions being drawn about the level of efficiency of Australian feedlotting operations but the few studies reported show considerable variation in liveweight performance and carcase characteristics such as fat depth and marbling (Baud et al. 1990). We analysed data from 3 feedlots within 150 km radius of Toowoomba in Queensland. Our results (Table 1) highlight the marked variability in average daily gain (ADG) between steers from different sources and between steers from the same source under feedlot conditions. Table 1 Average daily gain (kg/day) for steers from different sources in 3 feedlots in southern Queensland . The level of feedlot performance in Australia, especially for larger operations (>3000 head) that are relatively new and would be using up-to-date technology (feed mills, bunk designs, rations), is probably high. However, the extent of the variation between the steers indicates that there are opportunities to improve the economic performance of the feedlot by identifying the probable causes of the variability. This will require the analysis of large data sets to determine the relative contributi .on to the variability of various factors, such as steer age, body condition, genotype, entry liveweight, number of days on feed and time of the year. The likely benefits from such analyses will be improved if we can access data based on standardised procedures for assembly, trucking and feedlot induction. We thank the various cattle producers and feedlots for supplying data. BAUD, S., HYGATE, L. and GODDARD, M. (1993). Performance of Queensland steers grain finished for the Japanese market. Meat Research Corporation Project No. M 112, Sydney. RYAN, T.F. (1990). Economic analysis of feedlotting in Queensland. Information Series Q190033, (Queensland Department of Primary Industries: Brisbane). 398