What Can You Learn From Gains
This Summer?
Variety of factors may have caused stocker gains to decline, according to extension livestock specialist. Did you take notes?
Some Ozarks cattle producers raising stocker steers are reporting smaller-than-average gains this year despite not making any drastic operational changes. According to Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri (MU) Extension, many factors could have been at work to reduce gains.
“The most obvious would be the weather. Hot weather the last two years likely has resulted in lower animal performance. The hot, dry summers probably reduced the percentage of legume in the pastures, thus lowering gains,” said Cole.
Straight fescue pasture with endophyte problems, no doubt, is the forage that has survived the stressful weather. The “hot” fescue can reduce gains by 0.5-pound (lb.) per day or more compared to novel endophyte fescue, a fescue-legume mix or a warm-season grass.
Cole says shade can also be a factor in animal performance. Research at the university’s Southwest Center showed an improvement in daily gain of 0.2 lb. for shade vs. no shade on “hot” fescue pasture for stocker steers.
“The bottom line is, only a close review of management practices with written, documented records can help a producer determine if there really is a substantial effect on animal performance that they can change.”
— Eldon Cole
“The genetic background of stocker cattle plays a big role in coping with heat stress and the ability to make gains. For example, cattle that fail to shed their winter coats early will be at a disadvantage in performance,” said Cole.
It also appears that stocker operators are concentrating more on black cattle now when they make purchases than in past years.
“It’s possible their choices at buying time may contribute to some difference in rate of gain,” said Cole.
In addition to genetic differences, age and condition of stockers could be a consideration. With the shortage of cattle, the stocker folks may be buying younger cattle, perhaps with more flesh, and that reduces their compensatory-gain benefit.
“As management-intensive grazing is adopted, gain per head or per day may also drop slightly. Gain per unit of land could actually increase as stocking numbers increase, but individual performance could decline,” said Cole.
Pasture fertility should be considered as a factor impacting gains also. Liming is a vital part of pasture performance, especially since it can enhance legume establishment and growth.
“A complete soil-testing program could uncover fertility needs that might impact animal gains,” said Cole.
Management practices that may have been altered should be reviewed by the owner. Cole says records definitely are required to thoroughly analyze the following practices:
- implant product and protocol;
- external and internal parasite control;
- disease problems;
- castration timing, method and numbers;
- supplement use; and
- weighing conditions, beginning and end.
For more information, contact any of the MU Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri — Eldon Cole in Mount Vernon, 417-466-3102; Andy McCorkill, Dallas County, 417-345-7551; or Dona Goede, Cedar County, 417-276-3313.
Editor’s Note: David Burton is civic communications specialist providing Southwest Missouri News for the University of Missouri.
