SOUTHERN SECTION INTERDISCIPLINARY BEEF CATTLE SYMPOSIUM: Carryover effects of stocker cattle systems on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics

Stocker cattle production practices may affect subsequent performance of cattle in economically meaningful ways. Literature was reviewed to summarize possible carryover effects of stocker cattle management on finishing performance and carcass traits. The most consistent effects of stocker phase practices on finishing-phase and carcass performance of cattle appear to be explained by changes in placement weight of feeder cattle. Increasing placement weight typically is confounded with age at placement, ADG during stocker period, and duration of the stocker period. It may also be confounded with other factors, such as season of grazing and/or finishing. Data from studies comparing calf-fed to yearling-fed cattle indicate that as age or BW at feedlot entry increased, finishing ADG, DMI, and HCW increased (P < 0.01) whereas G: F and days on feed decreased (P < 0.01). As age and BW at feedlot entry increased, marbling score decreased (P < 0.01) whereas Warner-Bratzler shear force increased (P < 0.01). Studies with yearling cattle entering the feedyard after a forage-based backgrounding phase indicate that as backgrounding ADG increased, finishing ADG, DMI, and days on feed decreased (P < 0.01) yet HCW and ribeye area increased (P < 0.01) with no effect (P = 0.45) on marbling. Stocker cattle systems are complex, integrated systems in which producers typically seek to maximize their own economic return with little regard for subsequent performance. If cattle are owned across both stocker and finishing phases of production, then management decisions should focus on maximizing return over the entire ownership period and not just within one segment of ownership. Of the traits of feeder cattle that can be affected by stocker cattle systems, BW is the primary determinate of their value when they are placed into commercial feedyards.