Feedlot Performance Dips Slightly

For the first six months of 2005, feedlots participating in Kansas State’s “Focus on Feedlots” survey reported slightly lower animal performance in terms of average daily gains and feed conversion.  This was attributed mostly to weather.  So far this year, average daily gains for steers and heifers have generally been below a year ago.

On average, steers were on feed a total of 157 days for the January to June period, with heifers on feed about 155 days.  For steers, this was just two days longer compared to the same time period a year ago.  For heifers, it was three days longer. 

As a result, both steer and heifer closeout weights were smaller than 2004’s despite being placed at heavier weights.  Closeout weights for steers over the six-months averaged 1,245 pounds, 7 pounds below 2004.  Heifers were down 11 pounds. 

However, compared to the prior five-year average, steer closeouts were 13 pounds heavier, while heifers were up 9 pounds.  Of note, steer closeouts in May and June were nearly 30 pounds heavier than the prior five-year average.  At the same time, the amount of feed per pound of gain required in the January to June period was also higher.  Steers required about 6.25 pounds of feed (dry matter) per pound of gain, a yearly increase of 5 percent.

Heifers needed an additional 3 percent of feed at 6.36 pounds.

During the first two quarters, feeders reported average cost of gain (including feed, yardage, processing, medication and death loss) for steers and heifers about even with a year ago, which was mostly due to lower feedstuff costs. 

The average price for corn during January through June was $2.37 per bushel vs. $3.09 per bushel a year ago.  Corn prices were down 82 cents per bushel in January, but by June corn prices were 72 cents per bushel below 2004. 

At the same time, hay prices also remained below last year’s prices. 

The average six-month cost of gain for steers was $55.22 per cwt. compared to $55.37 per cwt. last year.  Heifers reported an average cost of gain of $57.09 per cwt., $1.21 per cwt. less than the respective period in 2004.

Source:  Livestock Marketing Information Center