88 - How Can Industry Use Energy and Body Composition Predictions to Achieve Production Expectations?

Abstract: Cattle feeders and consulting nutritionists must weigh numerous data points when making decisions. Each operation must define success in production and set expectations. Then considering inputs, such as cattle genetic potential, production technologies, feeder and fed cattle market conditions, grid premiums and discounts, and ingredient pricing and nutrition composition, they must design systems that are capable of achieving these expectations. Models have been developed for the projection of cattle growth, retained energy, and body composition and can be helpful in designing feeding and management programs. However, intricacies available in models that can lead to improved prediction can be difficult to implement. As a result, data may be underutilized, and decisions are often made based on limited information. This presentation will attempt to consider the dynamic conditions involved in making such decisions as choosing days on feed and determining marketing dates and provide context that can be used by research and industry when developing and applying models in cattle feeding.