Effects of pre-finishing plane of nutrition of stocker steers grazing introduced pastures on finishing performance and efficiency

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of pre-finishing plane of nutrition of stocker steers on subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics over 2 years.Materials and Methods: Crossbred steers (n = 140/ yr) without supplement (FC), 1.2 kg/d supplemental dried distillers grains (DDG) cubes (FS) on fertilized pastures, or 0.75% of BW per day of supplemental DDG cubes on unfertilized pastures (SP) were followed through the finishing phase in a commercial feedyard to evaluate carry-over effects on performance.Results and Discussion: Supplementation increased initial feedlot BW (P < 0.01) versus FC. Steers in FC gained faster (P = 0.02) before re-implanting in yr 1 and tended (P = 0.09) to gain faster in yr 2. Although ADG from re-implant to slaughter in yr 1 (P = 0.89) did not differ, FC tended (P = 0.08) to gain faster than FS and SP from re-implant to slaughter in yr 2. Steer BW at slaughter did not differ (P >= 0.23), but FC required (P < 0.01) greater days on feed than FS and SP. Overall, FS and SP consumed less feed (P < 0.01) and had lower feed costs (P < 0.01) relative to FC steers. Total system net returns were greater (P <= 0.04) for FS and SP than FC.Implications and Applications: Enhancing the plane of nutrition with an extruded DDG cube during grazing affected subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics, which increased overall profitability when producers retain ownership through finishing.