*Dr. Marcus Hoelsher heads his own consulting firm at 1500 W. Park, Hereford, Texas.
PERFORMANCE of cattle finished in November was very good for this time frame, and feedyard managers pointed out that good performance was due to excellent feeding conditions over the past several months.
When compared to the previous month, daily gains and feed conversion were either similar or improved. However, the cost of gain was higher due to a continued increase in the cost of rations.
Steers were placed on feed with a purchased weight of 774 lb., marketed at 1,339 lb. and gained 3.77 lb. daily for the 150-day feeding period. The cost of gain ranged from $110 to $115/cwt. and averaged $112.46/cwt., up $1.14/cwt. from the previous month.
Heifers were placed on feed at 709 lb., finished at 1,224 lb. and gained 3.39 lb. daily for 152 days. The cost of gain ranged from $114 to $118/cwt. and averaged $116.31, up $1.15/cwt.
Ration costs for December are comparable to the previous month and should range from $330 to $360 per ton.
Cattle feeders continued to report losses of $110-120 per head with a $128 fed cattle market. One year ago, they reported profits of $100-110 per head with a $124 fed cattle market. Profits were due, in part, to lower feed costs.
Drought conditions throughout the Plains continue to reduce wheat pasture conditions. Wheat pasture feeders were being moved into feedyards and placed on growing rations.
Fewer cattle are being placed in feedyards than one year ago. The "Cattle on Feed" report had cattle on feed at 95%, placements down 13% and marketings up 3% compared to the previous year.
Managers continued to do an excellent job in marketing cattle, and most showlists are current.
|
Feedyard performance, November 2012 | ||||||
|
|
-Steers- |
-Heifers- |
||||
|
Nov. '12 |
Oct. '12 |
Nov. '11 |
Nov. '12 |
Oct. '12 |
Nov. '11 |
|
|
Weight in, lb. |
774 |
761 |
776 |
709 |
719 |
714 |
|
Weight out, lb. |
1,339 |
1,334 |
1,307 |
1,224 |
1,223 |
1,203 |
|
Days fed |
150 |
156 |
148 |
152 |
151 |
149 |
|
Daily gain, lb. |
3.77 |
3.67 |
3.59 |
3.39 |
3.34 |
3.28 |
|
Dry conversion, lb. |
5.91 |
5.86 |
6.03 |
6.11 |
5.98 |
6.27 |
|
Death loss, % |
1.16 |
1.54 |
1.34 |
1.56 |
1.69 |
1.51 |
|
Cost of gain, $/cwt. |
112.46 |
111.32 |
106.43 |
116.31 |
115.16 |
110.38 |
|
Data are based on 25 feedlots in a four-state area serviced by several nutritional and veterinarian consulting groups. | ||||||
Volume:84 Issue:52