BEEF producers should review the value of by-pass protein in young stock diets if they are to maximise carcase returns in an era of ever changing abattoir specification demands.
With producers incurring substantially larger penalties for heavier carcases and those not meeting specification, Trident Feeds’, Bethany May, says the nutritional component of diets has to be altered.
“Maximising early lean growth where possible should be at the forefront of all producers’ minds and is a key component of finishing earlier, improving quality of finish and saving on feed costs,” she said, adding that farmers need to finish their animals quicker, while maximising feed efficiency to reduce total feed costs.
Hence, she advised the farmers to rely more on quality protein feeds that are high in by-pass protein during the first five months of growth. This boosts digestible undegraded protein (DUP) without increasing overall protein levels.
“Up to six months of age, feed is converted into growth most efficiently, which is why it’s so important to feed high-quality protein as soon as possible,” added Ms May.
“Missing out on 10% of early liveweight gain could cost you 165kg of extra feed to get this weight back later. Most lean frame growth can be accomplished by the time it comes to providing energy to lay down fat at finishing.
“In some instances, better value DUP feeds can also be worthwhile, particularly with black and white bulls or late maturing breeds.”
She recognised that feed costs would initially be higher, but this will be outweighed by taking advantage of improved feed conversion efficiency and better-quality finish, subsequently reducing the likelihood of penalties for missing spec’, reducing finishing times and reduced feeding costs.