In two university sponsored feedlot trials, Shorthorn steers have dominated the results, placing first or second in most categories. In one test, 76 Shorthorn steers had a net value of more than $8.47 per head more than the next closest breed. In a second, smaller test, comprised of Shorthorn, Angus and Red Angus steers, the 11 Shorthorn calves knocked out the competition, earning a net value $113 more than the other breeds represented in the test.

In the Indiana Beef Evaluation & Economics Feed Program, sponsored by the Indiana Beef Cattle Association and Purdue University, the four-year test averages show Shorthorn steers to have the greatest net value of more than 2,080 head tested. With a total cost of gain per hundredweight of $47.57 and an average daily gain that statistically tied them with Gelbvieh, Simmental and Hereford steers, the 76 Shorthorn feeders showed a profit of $106.35 per animal, the highest value among breeds with more than 50 head in the test. The data from the Indiana test showed that Shorthorn steers had an average rib eye area of 13.07 and a yield grade average of 2.7, placing them third in both categories behind Gelbvieh and Charolais.

In the 2004 Umatilla County Feedlot Futurity, sponsored by the Umatilla County Cattleman's Association and Oregon State University, Shorthorn steers converted feed to muscle much more efficiently than the Angus and Red Angus steers in the test, thus making them the most profitable cattle in the feeding futurity. Total cost per pound of gain was 13 cent per pound less than the competitors, making them 12 cents per pound more valuable at harvest time. Thus, Shorthorn steers showed a profit of $148.52 compared to Red Angus at $35.35 and Angus at $28.69.

The American Shorthorn Association (ASA) is using feed trial data as positive proof to feeders and packers that Shorthorn cattle have balanced traits allowing them to perform on a consistent basis. "These results further demonstrate the importance of utilizing Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. cowherd," says Steve McGill, chair of the ASA Genetic Evaluation Committee and owner of McGill Family Shorthorns, Iva, S.C. "Shorthorn's impressive track record in these tests show that proper selection can lead to animals that gain efficiently, cut a top-quality carcasses and make money for the cow-calf producer, the feeder and the packer."

This summer, the ASA will gather data from 118 head of steers currently on feed at Rolling Hills Feedyard near Hawarden, Iowa. The steers, nominated by 12 breeders from eight states, are currently gaining 3.6 pounds per day on average over the last 130 days. They will be harvested at the PM Beef plant in Windom, Minn., and be divided into three harvest groups according to their ultrasound results.

"Progressive commercial beef producers use data like this to gain more of a real-world perspective of the beef industry," says Nick Hammett, ASA director of commercial marketing and genetic improvement. "Shorthorn cattle will grade as high a percent choice as any of the major beef breeds, but offer definite advantages over its British counterparts. Shorthorn cattle produce noticeably leaner carcasses with great advantages in percent Yield Grade 1 and 2s. They also feed to heavier weights while avoiding the excessive yield grade 4 and 5s."

For more information on how Shorthorn cattle can contribute to a commercial breeding program, log onto www.shorthorn.org and following the "Program" link to the "The Durham Connection: Pluggin' Cattlemen into Reality!" newsletter. This bi-annual, electronic newsletter is written to inform the beef industry of Shorthorns' efforts in the commercial sector.

Date: 4/21/05