Butchering at a younger age

[NonTypicalCPA]

I'm considering butchering a mismarked (Beltie) heifer late this fall before I have to start feeding her hay. I've got a few too many head right now, and she by far is the loudest animal on my farm. Besides the fact that there will be less meat, any downsides to butchering at a young age? She'd be going in my freezer.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

I should mention that she will be around 16 months, which for a beltie, 24 months is more of a normal age to butcher.

 

[Son of Butch]

younger usually = tenderness
older usually = more intense beef flavor

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

Thanks SOB.

 

[LLBUX]

She should be fine. Flavor should be good coming off grass rather than hay.

A few pounds of grain a day really helps growth and finish if you are not selling 100% grass fed beef.

Good luck.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

Good to hear. I give all my yearlings a few pounds a day.

 

[Stocker Steve]

Besides the fact that there will be less meat, any downsides to butchering at a young age? She'd be going in my freezer.

Yes, she will be smaller, but you will also get a lower % yield and less marbling.

She will be tender but you will need to be a good cook to make her tasty. I prefer the flavor of a 3 year old heifer.