Returns to Retained Ownership through Finishing for Beef Cattle Originating from Tennessee

Annually, cow-calf producers face the decision of whether to sell their calves at weaning or to retain ownership of them. This study determines how animal characteristics, carcass quality, and a supplemental prepartum feeding program for cows impacts returns to retaining ownership of calves through finishing. Data from 2013-2014 regarding 160 cattle originating in Tennessee and finished in an Iowa feedlot using retained ownership was collected. An ordinary least squares regression indicates animal characteristics and carcass quality have a significant impact on retained ownership returns and the supplemental prepartum feeding program decreased returns. Sensitivity analysis determined how feed costs influence returns.