TurnThatCowLooseMaw":v7ljnscn said:
Not sure why you would feed a heifer calf out unless she was just crap to begin with(cull) and not a good performer or if she was sick or something
Not all heifers should be bred, I myself prefer to feed out heifers than steers. Doesn't have to be "just crap", it could be "just not good enough to breed"
1. At purchase heifers are usually cheaper
2. At fat heifers/steers will tend to bring the same price
3. At fat you usually won't get docked with heifers because they tend to be under that "too large to fit the pink styrofoam" size.
4. Personal preference for handling heifers to steers.
And for the thread question, I believe the animal being fed out will let you know when it is ready.
Solid filled brisket area
Back fat reasonable
Between the legs filled
They really tend to "square up" when they are at finished.
But it really depends on personal preference if it is being sold to your customers for the freezer, or if they are going to the sale or contract.
Me personally, I prefer shy of when they are ready for the sale, before they have put on the layering of fat....to me that seems like the last to "get done"