Evaluation of Cow and Calf Performance and Profit Potential in Beef Systems

A three-year experiment was conducted to determine the production efficiencies of two beef systems. Spring-calving, crossbred cows were either wintered on pasture (Control System) or on corn stalks (Treatment System). Control System steers were transported to a feedlot, fed a finishing diet and harvested. Treatment System steers were wintered on corn stalks, grazed pasture, fed a finishing diet, and harvested. Cow weights and condition differed but pregnancy rates were similar. Control System steers spent more days in the feedlot, had lower feed conversions and higher marbling scores. Treatment System steers had higher average daily gains and produced heavier carcasses