Subsequent Summer Forage Intake Following Winter Gain Restriction

Data were collected to determine effect of winter gain on forage intake and summer and finishing performance of yearling steers. Steers wintered at reduced gains compensated 17 and 48% over two years. Intake, as a percentage of body weight, was increased for compensating steers. Steers gaining faster in winter had a reduced break even ($67.01 vs 70.05/cwt) and were more profitable ($5.79 vs -31.32/ head) compared to slower gaining steers. Growing animals at faster (1.50 - 1.65 lb/day) compared to slower (0.45 - 0.55 lb/day) rates of winter gain is superior unless 65%-70% compensation is achieved