Q: We just sold our fat calves. I was figuring ADG and feed conversion. What can I use for benchmarks for ADG and feed conversion?
A: I'll give some ranges for ADG and feed conversions. Conditions during the feeding period and type of ration will impact both ADG and feed conversions.
Calf-feds, calves that are weaned then put into a feedlot and finished. They usually are in the feedlot for 190 to 210 days.
ADG - 2.9 to 3.5 lb/day
Feed Conversions - - 6.0 to 6.7 lb of feed per pound of gain.
Yearlings, calves that graze pasture in the spring and summer then enter the feedlot. Therefor they are typically heavier and older when they enter the feedlot compared to calf feeds. They usually are in the feedlot for 100 to 130 days.
ADG - 3.75 to 4.4 lb/day
Feed Conversion 7.4 to 7.8 pounds of feed per pound of gain.
Following is Dr. Erickson's answer to this question.
There are a few different "benchmark" methods that can be used. There is a group called PCC (Professional Cattle Consultants) that feedlots can join for a fee, provide their information, then get a comparison to how other feedlots perform relative to theirs. This is spread across the country and split into different feeding regions. Many of the members are southern plains feedlots. This is useful because it provides information on closeouts for that period of time. Cattle performance varies based on time of year, cattle type (calf-feds versus yearlings), and diet things.
However, for a 700 lb to 1300 lb light yearling or large calf-fed, then a conversion between 6.5 to 7.0 lb of feed per lb of gain, with intakes of 22 to 24 lb of DM and a gain of 3.0 to 3.5 lb/d would be good.
You have likely sold on a carcass weight basis or will in the future. So, I encourage you to use a 63% dress to convert over to a final live weight. However, carcass weight is your ultimate outcome in terms of weight and the most critical factor for profitability once cattle are purchased.
If you have a tough winter and/or mud challenges, these can be quite different.
Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science
Animal Science, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
A: I'll give some ranges for ADG and feed conversions. Conditions during the feeding period and type of ration will impact both ADG and feed conversions.
Calf-feds, calves that are weaned then put into a feedlot and finished. They usually are in the feedlot for 190 to 210 days.
ADG - 2.9 to 3.5 lb/day
Feed Conversions - - 6.0 to 6.7 lb of feed per pound of gain.
Yearlings, calves that graze pasture in the spring and summer then enter the feedlot. Therefor they are typically heavier and older when they enter the feedlot compared to calf feeds. They usually are in the feedlot for 100 to 130 days.
ADG - 3.75 to 4.4 lb/day
Feed Conversion 7.4 to 7.8 pounds of feed per pound of gain.
Following is Dr. Erickson's answer to this question.
There are a few different "benchmark" methods that can be used. There is a group called PCC (Professional Cattle Consultants) that feedlots can join for a fee, provide their information, then get a comparison to how other feedlots perform relative to theirs. This is spread across the country and split into different feeding regions. Many of the members are southern plains feedlots. This is useful because it provides information on closeouts for that period of time. Cattle performance varies based on time of year, cattle type (calf-feds versus yearlings), and diet things.
However, for a 700 lb to 1300 lb light yearling or large calf-fed, then a conversion between 6.5 to 7.0 lb of feed per lb of gain, with intakes of 22 to 24 lb of DM and a gain of 3.0 to 3.5 lb/d would be good.
You have likely sold on a carcass weight basis or will in the future. So, I encourage you to use a 63% dress to convert over to a final live weight. However, carcass weight is your ultimate outcome in terms of weight and the most critical factor for profitability once cattle are purchased.
If you have a tough winter and/or mud challenges, these can be quite different.
Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science
Animal Science, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
