Feedlot Performance and Profitability of Cattle Fed Either a Mixed Ration or Allowed to Select Their Diet
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
University of Wyoming, Agricultural Experiment Station, Field Days Bulletin
Volume
2014
Issue
4th Annual
Publication Date
6-2014
First Page
71
Last Page
72
Abstract
Total mixed rations (TMRs) are often fed to finish cattle prior to slaughter. TMRs are nutritionally balanced for the needs of the “average” animal, but up to half the animals in a group may differ in nutritional needs compared with the “average”. Thus, feeding TMRs may negatively affect productivity of some individuals.
Ruminants fed a choice of feeds can select a diet to meet their unique nutritional needs. Giving ruminants a choice of feeds may increase gains, improve feed efficiency, and reduce stress compared to feeding TMRs
Offering animals feed choices may also enable producers to finish their own cattle without the cost of a nutritionist or mixing feed. If feed prices are low relative to cattle prices, finishing their animals may improve profits.
Recommended Citation
Burritt, Elizabeth A. and Paisley, S., "Feedlot Performance and Profitability of Cattle Fed Either a Mixed Ration or Allowed to Select Their Diet" (2014). Wildland Resources Faculty Publications. Paper 1558.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/wild_facpub/1558
