Test 3 Flashcards
What is the purpose of a Yearling-Stocker operation?
To feed and manage cattle growth prior to going to a feedlot.
What type of cattle are in a yearling-stocker operation?
Steers and heifers after weaning
Profitability of a yearling-stocker operatoin depends on the cost and availability of? (3)
Grass or forage
calves or yearlings
health management
Tops states for yearling-stocker? (3)
Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma
Yearling-stocker calves usually weigh less than ___ lbs
500
Either the cattle change hands several times, or who can retain ownership?
Cow-calf producers can retain ownership
How are USDA muscling scores organized?
1-4 with 1 being the heaviest muscled and 4 being uncommon
How are frame scores characterized?
Large (6 or greater)= steers >1,250 and heifers >1,150
Medium (4-5)= steers 1100-1250 and heifers 1100-1150
Small (<3)= steers <1100 and heifers < 1000
What is the point of USDA feeder cattle grades?
Predict feedlot weight gain and harvest weight endpoint (thriftiness)
You want to buy___ and sell ____
Buy low and sell high
How do you want the calves to be when you purchase them? (4)
moderate condition
healthy
light for age
moderate or better muscle and frame
Are the prices of calves usually steady?
No, they are seasonal
Three ways to pay for leasing a pasture?
Per acre
$/lb of gain
fixed ratio per head
Considerations when renting land? (3)
Cost of land ownership
Demand for use of the land
productivity of the land
Responsibilities when leasing the land? (2)
Checking cattle
Maintaining fences and water
What are some cattle stressors to keep in mind? (7)
Weaning Sorting and Co-mingling Transportation Handling Processing and Vaccinations Weather Dietary Changes
What cattle are high risk?
Freshly weaning and light weight
What is the best way to prevent getting high risk cattle?
Know the origin of the cattle and the practices used on them
What part of the feeding period is most crucial for profit?
The beginning
Least risk is on cattle that are? (5)
1) weaned 30-45 days before shipping
2) castrated within 90 days of age
3) polled or dehorned prior to 90 days of age
4) free of internal and external parasites
5) vaccinated
What is the greatest health problem, and how is it caused?
Respiratory issues- stress, virus, pathogenic bacteria
When receiving cattle, you need to give them? (2)
Hay and water
How should the roughage be when receiving cattle?
High quality hay with a starter ration
What is an ideal rate of gain?
1.5 or higher
What are two commonly used types of growth stimulants?
Ear Implants
Ionophores
What are the three main goals of preconditioning?
1) weaning at least 45 days before sale
2) training to feed from a bunk and drink from a water trough
3) Castration, dehorning, and vaccinations
What are the pros of preconditioning? (3)
Develop a reputation for marketing healthy cattle
Add value to home-raised calves
Increase income thorugh retained ownership
What are the cons of preconditioning? (2)
Requires more labor
Up front expense of keeping the cattle
Three ways to target markets?
Advertise your management
Relationship with buyers
Organize feeder calf markets
What can be tricky with organizing a feeder calf market?
requirements are different among programs
What are fed cattle?
cattle that are fed concentrates for several months prior to slaughter in confinment
What is a feedlot?
Confinement areas located where major portions of grains are produced
What re the top 5 states for feedlots?
Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Kansas, and Iowa
What are the 2 types of cattle feeding operations that were discussed in class?
Commercial and Farmer Feeder
What is a commercial feeding operation? (4)
1) over 1,000 head of cattle
2) may own cattle
3) custom feeding or custom feedlots have the cattle owned by someone else and feed on a contractual basis
4) combination of both
What is a benefit of retaining ownership of cattle through the feedlot stage?
If you retain ownership, you better know how they will perform
What is a Farmer Feeder lot?
less than 1,000 head
What type of dairy cows are predominantly in feed lots?
Holsteins
What makes dairy cattle valuable in a feed lot?
Uniform carcasses with great marbling (usually prime) and have high cutability
What is the drawback to dairy cattle in a feedlot?
Feed for long periods ( around 365 days)
Estimated Cost formula?
(purchase weight x current price) = $ paid
Estimated Sale Value formula?
(sale weight x sale price) = projected sale value
Estimated gain formula?
Sale weight - purchase weight
Total Cost of Gain formula?
(sale weight - purchase weight) = total gain x $value
Break Even Price on Gain formula?
(projected sale value - $ paid) / (estimated gain)
Estimated Purchase Cost formula?
(purchase weight x price per pound) = $ paid
Necessary Selling Price formula?
($ paid + cost of gain) / sale weight
