0
What are the differences between pasture-fed and feedlot-fed cattle?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Besides how they are housed, where they live and what they are fed, there are almost no significant differences between them. The primary difference is how they are fed. Feedlot cattle are fed an 85% grain or concentrate diet (the rest is forage), and pasture-fed cattle are obviously set to graze grass on pasture.
What's interesting in this respect is that feedlot cattle have been pastured before they entered the feedlot. These cattle have been on pasture pretty well since the day they were born, and remained so for a year and a half (~18 months) before being sent to the feedlot to be "finished" for beef. Even the weaned calves that enter the feedlot are put on pasture in the summer for 5 or 6 months, and in the winter or during the times when they cannot be on pasture they are fed a forage-rich diet. Pastured cattle will also be fed the same way if they do not have pasture to graze on, because not all areas can raise cattle on pasture all year round.
The differences that may be seen is when cattle are mere days away from being sent to slaughter. Feedlot cattle are younger and somewhat fatter than pasture-finished cattle, being finished at around 20 to 24 months of age. Pasture-finished cattle are not as fat, but still well conditioned, but older. By the time they are ready for slaughter, they are around 28 to 30 months of age. Breeds and breeding matters little between feedlot and pastured cattle, feed efficiency is not breed specific, but individual-specific within and between breeds.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are some differences between cattle and sheep ranching?
One primary difference between swine and beef cattle and sheep is that pigs do not have sweat glands. Pigs need to roll in the mud to keep cool on hot days. A pig will eat just about anything, whereas beef cattle and sheep do not eat meat.
Do cattle ranches raise cattle?
They raise cattle or beef cattle
Can goats get sick from cows?
There are a few diseases that can hop from cattle to goats, but they are relatively few. For the most part, you can pasture goats and cattle together and not worry about disease transmission between the two.
What are plainer cattle?
Plainer cattle refer to cattle that are in average condition in terms of body condition score. If we use the American scoring system of 1 to 9, 1 being the most emaciated, plainer cattle are those that fall in between a body condition score of around 5: not too fat, nor too thin.
What are slaughter cattle?
Cattle meant to be sent to the slaughter house to be slaughtered and eaten.
What are the similarities and differences with regards to cattle rearing in North and south America?
because cattle rearing is famous.
What is the relationship between a cattle and cattle egrets?
mutualism
Can one also transport horses in a cattle trailer?
Although you can transport horses in a cattle trailer it is not a good idea. Horse and cattle trailers have small but important differences in design for the safety and comfort of the animals.
What word describes the relationship between the cattle egrets and the cattle?
commensalism
What are the differences between poultry and cattle's digestive systems?
The poultry digestive system is similar to that of a human. The cow's digestive system is designed so that it chews its cud several times to get the maximum nutrition from it.
How long did the cattle trade flourish?
cattle trade was between 1866 and 1886
Is there a difference between leather hide made from dairy cattle and beef cattle?
no
What are some differences between cattle and sheep ranching?
One primary difference between swine and beef cattle and sheep is that pigs do not have sweat glands. Pigs need to roll in the mud to keep cool on hot days. A pig will eat just about anything, whereas beef cattle and sheep do not eat meat.
What is the difference between cattle ranchers and sheep and goat ranching?
Cattle ranchers raise cattle, and sheep/goat farmers raise sheep and goats.
What is the relationship between egret and cattle?
There is not true symbiotic relationship. However, he cattle egret removes ticks and flies from cattle and consumes them. This benefits both species.
What is the connection between the cattle trails and the railroad towns?
With the coming of the railroads, cattle drives headed for the nearest railroad towns, and cattle were shipped north by rail, so shortening the cattle drive considerable.
Is hemoglobin content in cows and cattle different in calve's male and female?
Yes, though the differences aren't all that significant.
