Agricultural News
Maximizing Carcass Quality Calls for Good Genetics, Good Management
Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:09:26 CDT
When it comes to finishing cattle in the feedlot, efficiency is everything. A slight improvement can mean the difference between profits and losses.
At the Darnall Feedlot in Nebraska, they combine the newest technology with simple techniques to achieve maximum efficiency.
"We work hard with our nutritionist to ensure they have a balanced diet," says Gary Darnall. "These cattle probably have a better-balanced diet than I do."
But maximum efficiency starts long before the cattle enter the feed yard.
"Efficiency in cattle is pretty much based on the genetics they have," says Lane Darnall. "We can improve on efficiency by making sure our rations are formulated right, that our mineral packages are correct for these cattle and make sure the environment that they live in day to day is clean and functional so they don't struggle to get to the bunk to eat. But the true efficiency comes from inside the cattle. What we have is the opportunity maximize all the genetic potential that they have."
Maximizing marketing follows the same formula of potential plus management.
"We try and maximize the carcass quality in the Angus cattle and also get the maximum performance to add the most value to it," says Gary Darnall. "If we just add the value to what's there genetically, then we've done our job."
Click on the play button in the video box below to watch the full video on maximizing efficiency in Angus cattle.
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