compensatory gain

[VAStocker]

How important is this to a feedyard operator? Had you rather have a feeder that is eating 2% of his body weight a day plus free choice hay and pasture or one that is grazing and being fed 2lbs. of grain? Compensatory gain to a stocker operator is important, but to a feedyard operator is a hot calf better one that is use to putting away the grocerys and gaining weight fast.

 

[Howdyjabo]

Our feedlots liked buying a thin calf(what I would call a compensatory ) over a fleshed calf--Fat calves are docked HARD. They will pay more /lb for a thin calf-- but it ends up less /hd for the seller than a calf with good flesh sold a little cheaper/lb.
A thin to the point of being a weakened animal may also be concidered a compensatory calf-- but they avoid them like the plague(part of the reason I have a job )-- In a feedlot situation they can "crash and burn" before they get a chance to get them on feed strong- with no extra flesh to pull on- theres little chance of pulling them thru.

Our feedlots want an animal that knows what a feedbunk and water tank are. But they don't want them too fleshy especially if their flesh is outpacing their frame
one reason people don't think of is.........
Most hauls are limited by weight not # of animals. They want to ship as many animals as they can for their money.

I'd make sure they were bunk broke and growing well -- but not getting fat.


I think that feedyards in general will be pulling away from the compensatory calves-- there is alot of data coming down the pike that shows grade is linked to nutrition thruout the calves life--end grade may be worth more than the extra $$$ a compensatory calf gives .

 

[Stocker Steve]

Everyone wants to buy an animal thay can make some money on... Health, age, genetics, and condition are considerations you have to look at together. A thin un weaned calf is different bargin than a thin yearling coming off short pasture.

You can really push some continental cross steers without getting them too fleshy. English steers, and most heifers, are usually a different matter.