South Dakota Retained Ownership Demonstration

Seven hundred six calves representing 81 cow-calf producers were consigned to a custom feedlot. Steer calves (421 head) consigned in October weighed 562 Ib initially, gained 2.75 Ib per head daily, and averaged 1153 1b at slaughter after an average of 207 days on feed. Average cost of gain and profitability were $61.48 per cwt and -$86.61 per head, respectively. Steers consigned in January weighed 738 Ib initially, gained 3.36 Ib per head daily, and averaged 1,196 Ib at slaughter after 137 days on feed. Average cost of gain and profitability were $55.55 per cwt and 4123.1 1 per head, respectively. Heifers consigned in January weighed 683 Ib initially, gained 3.17 Ib per head daily, and averaged 1063 1b at slaughter after 122 days on feed. Average cost of gain and profitability were $58.39 per cwt and -$95.63 per head, respectively. Severe losses observed for 1993-94 were due to a crash in the carcass beef market in late May through July as compared to the previous 3years of the Retained Ownership Demonstration. As in previous years, average daily gain, days on feed and percentage of choice appear to be related to differences in profit between cattle