Value Difference of Feeder Cattle

Michelle F. ElmoreExtension Animal Scientist/Beef Cattle Improvement

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

The Average Selling Price for Feeder Cattle Based on Muscle Score

Muscle Score Average Selling Pricea (Value/cwt)

Discount Compared to No. 1 (Value/cwt)

Number 1s $110.82 ---

Number 2s $101.88 -$8.94

Number 3s $78.41 -$32.41

Number 4s $53.64 -$57.18aAverages across muscle scores are different from each other (P<0.0001).

Source: “Improving the Value of Feeder Cattle” University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. FSA3056.

Alabama Value Difference in Feeder Steers for Muscle Score 1s and 2s

Weight Range

2010 Average Price

Number 1s($/cwt.)

2010 Average Price

Number 2s($/cwt.)

Difference in 2010

($/cwt.)

Difference 5 Years Ago

($/cwt.)

300-400 lbs $133.11 $125.15 $7.96 $8.17

400-500 lbs $120.13 $115.14 $4.99 $6.34

500-600 lbs $111.01 $107.31 $3.70 $4.71

600-700 lbs $104.27 $99.91 $4.36 $4.60

700-800 lbs $97.17 $94.77 $2.40 $4.95

Source: David Garcia, OIT, USDA-Alabama Department of Ag Market News Service.

Alabama Value Difference in Feeder Heifers for Muscle Score 1s and 2s

Weight Range

2010 Average Price

Number 1s($/cwt)

2010 Average Price

Number 2s($/cwt.)

Difference in 2010

($/cwt.)

Difference 5 Years Ago

($/cwt.)

300-400 lbs $112.25 $106.35 $5.90 $6.66

400-500 lbs $105.55 $100.58 $4.97 $6.37

500-600 lbs $100.22 $94.95 $5.27 $5.23

600-700 lbs $94.16 $89.33 $4.83 $4.33

700-800 lbs $88.93 $84.82 $4.11 $5.01

Source: David Garcia, OIT, USDA-Alabama Department of Ag Market News Service.

The Average Selling Price for Feeder Cattle Based on USDA and BIF Frame Score

USDA Frame Size

BIF Frame Score

Average Selling Price (Value/cwt)

Discount compared to Large Frame (Value/cwt)

Large Equal to or > 6

$108.81a ---

Medium 4 and 5 $108.67a -$0.14

Small Equal to or < 3

$86.71b -$22.10

a, b Averages without a common superscript differ (P<0.01).

Source: “Improving the Value of Feeder Cattle” University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. FSA3056

Alabama BCIA Records 1982-2010Herd Size 205 Day Age Avg. Adj.

205 Day WtAvg. 205 Day BIF Frame

No. Wt Records

No. of Frame

Records

Small 5 to 29 cows

210 Days 555 lbs. 5.7 7,749 3,095

Medium30 to 99 cows

214 Days 549 lbs. 5.6 37,087 10,549

Large100+ cows

217 Days 533 lbs. 5.7 80,652 12,794

Overall 216 Days 539 lbs. 5.69 125,480 26,438

Relationship of Frame Size to Projected Mature Cow Weight and Slaughter Weight at Choice Quality Grade

USDA Frame Size

Small Medium Large

BIF Frame Score

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Mature cow weight (lbs)

955 1030 1100 1175 1250 1320 1400 1470

Steer slaughter weight (lbs)

850 1100 1100 1250 1250 1350 1450 1500

Heifer slaughter weight (lbs)

700 1000 1000 1150 1150 1200 1300 1400

Source: Boggs, South Dakota State University, 1991.

Management Factors Affecting Market Price of Feeder Cattle

• Castration of bull calves– Increased value of the calf– Steers have higher meat quality and are more docile

• Sex of the calf– Heifers generally sell for $0.05 to $0.10 less per

pound than steers, as steers gain faster

• Fill and Shrink– Feeder cattle with excessive fill are discounted

because of a greater potential for shrink

Management Factors Affecting Market Price of Feeder Cattle

• Body condition– Over-conditioned feeder cattle will be discounted

• Horned calves– Horned calves will be discounted because of

potential bruising and extra processing to remove horns

• Sickness or Lameness– Sick or lame feeder cattle will be discounted

Management Factors Affecting Market Price of Feeder Cattle

• Uniformity – Uniform in age, breed type, calf sex, and weight – Uniform feeder cattle will gain more predictably in

the feedlot– Weight range in feeder cattle is described as:• Even• Uneven• Very uneven

– Uniformity begins with the cow herd and herd sire

Actual 205 Day Wts by each 21 Days of the Calving Season: Steers Born 2007-2009

Actual 205 Day Wts by each 21 Days of the Calving Season: Heifers Born 2007-2009