Effect of Backgrounding Gain, Grazing Length and Dry Distillers Grain Consumption on Performance and Carcass Traits of June Born Cattle

June-born cattle backgrounded at a lower rate during the winter were unable to fully compensate during sum¬mer grazing for restricted gain during backgrounding. Increased gain during backgrounding resulted in cattle being heavier for all market periods. The higher cost associated with increased gain was offset by heavier sale weights. Cattle grazing meadow regrowth had improved feedlot performance and heavier finished weight. Backgrounding cattle grazing winter range supplemented with DDG costs less than backgrounding cattle in a drylot. Supplementing with DDG during summer grazing decreased forage intake and increased gain, with 1.8 lb/head/day being more cost effective than 5 lb/head/day