This will require cattle that grow efficiently and produce a desirable carcass. In general, color may not matter as much as other genetic contributions such as frame and muscling. Castrate all bull calves not intended as herd sire replacements. Implanting these steers will compensate for any reduced gains relative to intact males. Dehorn all commercial calves while young or use a polled bull.
Market calves in average flesh.
Creep feeding calves generally will produce fleshier calves at weaning. These cattle will sell at a discount and probably will not return the added investment in feed. Market calves with average fill. Buyers recognize the general intent behind tanked calves and will discount them appropriately. Gaunt calves signal that they may have health problems or that they are stale.