terminal breeding because you don’t want heavy-muscled replacement heifers due to possible decreases in calving ease. Raising replacement heifers is a
different program than raising beef calves for high yields. Many feeder calf producers breed heavy-muscled Charolais or continental bulls to Brahman- or British-cross cows that have low maintenance costs. A nutrition program for feeder
calves should be designed to pro- duce growth. A problem of too much fat usually does not occur until cattle reach maturity. Feeder calves will be in the feedyard by the time they normally start producing fat. “Producers should not get car-
ried away in producing muscle in their calves,” Gill stresses. “There are some genetics in cattle that are producing muscle well beyond con- sumer acceptance. Preferred ribeyes
are 13 to 14 square inches in size. A lot of cattle are currently produc- ing 17- to 21-square inch ribeyes.” Value of the larger ribeye steaks
is higher than most consumers can afford to spend. For these steaks to sell, they have to be sliced thinner, and it is diffi cult to cook thin steaks and achieve a satisfying eating ex- perience. “Due to the present cattle short-
age, large animals are being ac- cepted because the packers need the tonnage,” said Gill. “Efforts are under way to design a different way to cut some of the muscles so that the steaks are more acceptable, yet retain a value that the consumer is willing to pay.”
Quality still pays “It has become easier to sell low-
er quality cattle during the cattle shortage, but there is still a price
differential between high quality animals and lower quality,” Gill continued. “The differential may not be as great as when cattle are plentiful, but it is there.” Cow-calf operators, especially
small producers, can increase value in their calves by producing the type of animal that gives an ap- pearance to a buyer that it might have quality. Factors governing this appearance include adequate mus- cling, medium to large frames and acceptable color and breed type. To help capitalize on the value
of your calves, call the livestock exchange where you intend to sell. Let them know how your calves have been raised and how they look. Ask them to call buyers and tell them about the value in your calves. These actions could place you near the top of the market on sale day.
tscra.org
May 2013 The Cattleman 41
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