Backgrounding Cattle Larry C. Hollis, D.V.M., M.Ag. Extension Beef Veterinarian Twig T. Marston, Ph.D. Extension Beef Specialist Kansas State University

Backgrounding Preparing cattle for the next phase of the production cycle: Development of replacement animals Preparing purchased calves for the feedlot Preparing home-raised calves for the feedlot

Our Focus Preparing calves for the feedlot

Our Focus Management and health Management and nutrition

Where does backgrounding start ?

Cow Management Program Vaccinations Parasite control Breeding Feeding Calving management Custom-tailored to meet your needs, abilities and facilities, and the needs of the markets you are targeting

Colostrum Management 2-year study @ US-MARC 263 crossbred calves 23% had inadequate colostrum intake Wittum, Perino, et al

Colostrum Management Results of inadequate colostrum intake: Birth to weaning 3X more likely to get sick 6X more likely to get sick during first 28 days 5X more likely to die Weighed 35# less at weaning

Colostrum Management Results of inadequate colostrum intake: Feedlot 3X more likely to get sick Gained 24# less over 242-day feeding period

Calf Management Program Vaccinations Parasite Control Implants Individual animal ID Weaning

Marston, et al, 2003 Kansas Cattlemen’s Day Timing of Castration Early Castration No implant + Implant Late Castration Weaning No. of calves 60 40 41 Weight, lb June October November 304 564 606 311 580 628 317 578 611 Early = Day 90 Late = Day 226 Marston, et al, 2003 Kansas Cattlemen’s Day

Weaning Conditions Dry, dusty lot Fenceline weaning Move cows away or move calves away Wean on the truck

Weaning Vaccination Program: 2 @ IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV vaccines 2-4 weeks preweaning and at weaning, or at weaning and 2-4 weeks later 7-way clostridial vaccination Pasteurella bacterin/leukotoxoid Hold for 45 days after weaning

Prevent BRD

Texas A&M Ranch-to-Rail Summary The Impact of Health on Performance, Profits and Carcass Sick Healthy Head 3,202 9,393 Death Loss 3.4% 0.5% Average Daily Gain, Lb 2.78 2.96 Total Cost of Gain, $/Cwt $65.96 $56.68 Medicine Cost/Head $31.33 $0.00 Net Return/Head -$31.97 +$61.23 Quality Grade Choice 29% 39% Select 63% 56% Standard 8% 5%

Texas A&M Ranch-to-Rail Summary The Impact of Health on Performance, Profits and Carcass Difference in Value Healthy +$61.23 Sick -$31.97 Difference $93.20 Average in weight of sick steers = 571 Lbs $93.20 ÷ 5.71 = $16.32/cwt less as Feeders 3,202 sick steers X $93.20 = $298,426.00

Value of Preconditioning Heifer Calves of Single Ranch Origin Performance Weaned/Shipped Preconditioned Head 1,600 380 Feedlot in wt, lb. 550 640 Feedlot wt gain, lb. 616 540 Days on feed 220 180 Average daily gain, lb. 2.80 3.00 Feed:Gain, DM basis 6.60 6.02 Medicine, $/head 34.00 4.33 Death loss, % 4.44 1.30 Feedlot cost of gain, $/cwt 62.80 54.75 Cravey, 1996 Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference

Value of Preconditioning Heifer Calves of Single Ranch Origin Economics Weaned/Shipped Preconditioned Precon cost, $/head -- 40.00 Feedlot COG, $/head 386.85 295.65 Fed heifer value, $/head* 795.33 804.23 Value – total costs 408.48 469.23 Difference in net value -- 60.72 *Sold on live weight basis

Preconditioning Pays Retained ownership Market through system where added value is recognized and compensated