The performance of steers fed fattening rations representative of the years 1970, 1935, and 1900

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of steers when finished on a ration representative of the years 1970, 1935, and 1900. Twenty-nine Hereford calves with an average initial weight of 714 pounds were involved in the experiment at the University of Tennessee's Knoxville Experiment Station. Three treatments (1) a ration representative of the year 1970, (2) a ration representative of the year 1935, and (3) a ration representative of the year 1900 were used in the study. The results indicated that feedlot performance was significantly influenced by treatments. The 1970 ration had significantly larger final weights and average daily gains. Also, average daily gain for the 1935 ration was significantly greater than daily gains for the 1900 ration. Carcass performances were also significantly affected by treatments. Carcass weights, U.S.D.A. grades, marbling scores, and carcass fat thickness were significantly larger for the 1970 ration than for either of the two remaining rations. Likewise, carcass fat thicknesses of the steers fed the 1935 ration were significantly greater than carcass fat of steers fed the 1900 ration. Returns over initial and feed costs were found to be greater for the 1970 ration than either the 1935 or 1900 ration. Returns for the 1900 ration were lowest for all three treatments. Therefore/ it may be concluded that the 1970 ration is a superior quality ration for fattening steers than the other two rations.