  BeefTalk:
Data Analysis Is Important Part of Calf Finishing Phase
By Kris Ringwall, Extension Beef Specialist,
NDSU Extension Service
The last of the preconditioned steer calves should be settled in the feedlot
by now. The calves were originally to be shipped on Dec. 20, however, weather
delayed shipping until the next day.
I’m sure the feed yard was less than happy to get the calves the day before
Christmas eve, but good shipping dates and good weather don’t always agree.
(One thing I have learned: When the trucker--in this case Ed--doesn’t want to
go, you don’t go. Conversely, when the trucker wants to go, you go. End of
discussion.) The next issue is data analysis. The shipment of calves to the
feedlot starts the data flow. My experience indicates that cow and calf data is
generally lacking throughout the industry, but as soon as the calves hit the
feedlot, data sheets are available by the notebook full.
The 2002 Cow Herd Appraisal and Performance Software (CHAPS) program report
for North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center steer
calves is 12 pages long. The report lists the performance of each steer from
birth to weaning as well as average performance for the various steer groups,
sires and cow breeds within the herd. The 12 pages include data from February to
November.
Within 24 hours of arrival at the feedlot, each pen of steer calves generated
a report that was 6 pages long. Every two weeks subsequent reports will be
delivered, along with interim reports on performance followed by a final carcass
data report. In the end, the portfolio on the center’s calves will be more
than an inch thick. This is solid, important data but within the industry, much
of this data falls through the cracks and is never used for the overall
improvement of the herd or management.
Electronic data we receive can arrive at a greater rate than the our ability
to comprehend it. The best use of data is to extract what you can from the
current data quickly, assure or adjust management needs and get on with
business.
The initial receiving reports confirm the arrival of the cattle and the
initial cattle type. The initial set of calves, 86 steer calves, were received
in the feedlot on Nov. 1, after 42 days of preconditioning. These were the early
weaned calves. All the remaining steers were weaned at the traditional early
November time period, preconditioned for 42 days, and shipped.
The first load of calves arrived at the feedlot weighing an average of 562
pounds, with an average back fat of .08 inches and an average height of 44.6
inches at the hip. The last two loads of 123 steers arrived at the yard weighing
an average of 689 pounds, with an average of .16 inches of back fat and an
average height of 47 inches.
There is not much more I can do with the data at this time, other than to
enter it into CHAPS and start preparing for the summary report. The interim
reports should be arriving in January, and the two lots gaining additional data
in February. The data shows both these lots of calves were very variable. The
first load ranged from 415 pounds to 697 pounds and .02 inches of back fat all
the way to .21 inches of back fat. The second load ranged from 436 pounds to 882
pounds and .05 inches of back fat all the way to .32 inches of back fat.
Obviously these load spreads are great and obviously the cattle need to be
sorted. The interim report will sort the calves into similar groups and targeted
marketing periods. Using conservative gain numbers, both groups should be
averaging over 750 pounds by mid January, with anticipated market weights of
1,200 pounds in late April and early May for the majority of the calves.
Stay tuned for performance and profit opportunities. May you find all your
ear tags.
Your comments are always welcome at www.BeefTalk.com.
For more information, contact the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement
Association, 1133 State Avenue, Dickinson, ND 58601 or go to www.CHAPS2000.COM
on the Internet. In correspondence about this column, refer to BT0125.
###
Source: Kris Ringwall, (701) 483-2427, kringwal@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu
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Graphic
Feedlot Receiving Reports for 2002 Steer Calves
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Number
Group of Calves Weight Back Fat Hip Height
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Pen 1 average 86 562 lbs .08 in 44.6 in
Pen 1 range 282 lbs .19 in 15.3 in
Pen 2 average 123 689 lbs .16 in 47.0 in
Pen 2 range 446 lbs .27 in 14.3 in
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NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center
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