Feeder Calf Marketing
Considerations of Buying Feeder Calves
Health. Source. Genetics. Size. Condition. All of these are factors
that cattle buyers should take into account when buying their
next load of calves to background on grass or put into a feedlot. of having uniformity throughout the remainder of
their lives and will result in fewer ‘sorts’ down the road;
either when sold again or placed in a feedlot.”
A healthy calf is going to eat and grow more efficiently
so health is of the utmost importance. Be sure to
know about the overall health and nutrition program
of the operation where the calves originated. Two more
important factors
Two more important factors that
that cattle buyers
cattle buyers should consider are
should consider
size and condition. Fleshy, over-
are size and
condition. Fleshy,
conditioned calves generally
over-conditioned
convert more poorly, and
calves generally
generally are less efficient in their
convert more
gains later on. Calves that are
poorly, and
thin and “green” are those mostly
generally are
less efficient
sought after to get the biggest
in their gains
kick in terms of compensatory
later on. Calves
gains later on.
that are thin
and “green” are
those mostly
sought after to
get the biggest kick in terms of compensatory gains later on.
They will be more expensive, on a per pound basis than fleshy
calves, but will also gain more rapidly and be more efficient.
“It helps if you can ascertain that the calves have been
weaned and that the last preventative vaccine was given at
least 30 days before you plan to take possession. This will aid
in fewer sick calves and get them off to a better start,” said
Gary Fike. He encourages the backgrounder to implant the
calves to help with gains, but regardless if they are implanted
or grow naturally, a good nutrition program is vital.
“A higher dose implant on cattle consuming low
quality forage or a low energy ration results in
a poorer return on investment,” he said.
Information is powerful, and that is where the source
and genetics of the calves you are going to buy play
an important role in their future outcome. Knowing
a little bit about the calves genetics and source can
help predict their outcome through the feedlot.
“If you really want to succeed it is best to start with
similar genetics,” Fike said. “It helps from the standpoint
Another consideration for buying stockers is location.
Transportation costs for calves bought in a different
geographic region will cut into your profit.
TEXAS LIMOUSIN ASSOCIATION
Bulls Built to Improve Your Bottom Line
Visit our website for a membership directory of
Limousin & Lim-Flex breeders. You can find a
listing of breeders that can assist you in locating
your next herd bull. We can also assist you in
finding buyers for your Limousin or Limousin
crossed feeder cattle.
www.Texas-Limousin.com
TEXAS LIMOUSIN ASSOCIATION
Ralph Hawkins, executive secretary • PO Box 880 • Krum, TX 76249
940/367-4633 • [email protected] • www.texas-limousin.com
34 | AUGUST 2017
Finally, once you have your
stockers purchased, don’t
forget their nutritional
needs. Lighter weight
calves will thrive on
higher quality forages,
where heavier calves can
perform on slightly lower
quality grasses. Either
way, it is vital to provide
a proper mineral and
protein supplementation
program to