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

2. 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

3. Our Focus
Preparing calves for the feedlot

4. Our Focus
Management and health
Management and nutrition

5. Where does backgrounding start ?

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. Calf Management Program
Vaccinations
Parasite Control
Implants
Individual animal ID
Weaning

11. 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

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

13. Weaning Vaccination Program:
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

14. Prevent BRD

15. 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 % 0.5%
Average Daily Gain, Lb
Total Cost of Gain, $/Cwt $65.96 $56.68
Medicine Cost/Head $31.33 $0.00
Net Return/Head -$ $61.23
Quality Grade
Choice 29% 39%
Select 63% 56%
Standard 8% 5%

16. 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

17. Value of Preconditioning Heifer Calves of Single Ranch Origin
Performance Weaned/Shipped Preconditioned
Head 1,
Feedlot in wt, lb
Feedlot wt gain, lb
Days on feed
Average daily gain, lb
Feed:Gain, DM basis
Medicine, $/head
Death loss, %
Feedlot cost of gain, $/cwt
Cravey, 1996 Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference

18. Value of Preconditioning Heifer Calves of Single Ranch Origin
Economics Weaned/Shipped Preconditioned
Precon cost, $/head
Feedlot COG, $/head
Fed heifer value, $/head*
Value – total costs
Difference in net value
*Sold on live weight basis

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