Profitability Differences, MF-1075 Click on the image above to download a complete copy of this publication in PDF format. Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Profitability Differences, MF-1075 Between Steers and Heifers Christopher L. Williams Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Economics Michael R. Langemeier Extension Agricultural Economist, Livestock Production James Mintert Extension Agricultural Economist, Marketing Ted C. Schroeder Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics Whether to place steers or heifers in a feedlot can be a difficult decision.
Many factors can affect the difference in profitability between feeding steers and heifers.
Differences in sale price, feeder price, feed conversion, and average daily gain all help explain variation in feeding profit differences between steers and heifers. About 75 to 86 percent of the variability in profit differences over time can be explained by fluctuations in these factors. Cattle feeders should take these factors into consideration when developing budgets, calculating break-evens, and making procurement decisions. About the study Closeout data for 1,752 pens of heifers and 4,549 pens of steers from two southwestern Kansas custom feedyards were used in the KSU study. Only pens of steers placed between 600 and 899 lbs. and heifers placed between 500 and 799 lbs. were used.