Effects of Programmed Gain on Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Calves

One hundred sixty crossbred steer calves were used to evaluate the efficacy of including a programmed gain phase in the feeding program and to evaluate effects of rate and duration of programmed gain on finishing performance. Including a multiple phase programmed gain period with two rates of gain resulted in performance similar to a single period of programmed gain. Increasing length of the programmed gain period resulted in higher gains and dry matter intakes after steers were switched to ad libitum feeding. Cumulative daily gain and dry matter intake were decreased by the programmed feeding strategies. Net return per animal was lower and cost of gain higher when a period of programmed gain was part of the feeding program