Feedlot Performance Data

(depending on gender & castration – see table)

• Average Daily Gain (ADG): approx. 1.5–2.0 kg per day

• Final weight: approx. 600–700 kg live weight

• Dressing percentage: approx. 64–65 %
  (e.g. 700 kg → approx. 450 kg carcass weight)

• Meat quality: good marbling & tenderness
  In the USA, over 40% of Beefmaster crosses reach USDA quality grade "Choice"

Comparison by Animal Category

⚠️ Risk of Over-Fattening?

• No fattening issues if:

  • 🥗 Diet is balanced and ⏱️ Slaughtering is done on time

• Possible over-fattening, if:

  • ⏳Animals are kept too long in the feedlot and/or Energy-dense feeds used (e.g. high corn 🌽)

Feedlot Advantages

• High weight gains with good feed efficiency

• Above-average dressing percentage

• Tender meat with good marbling

• Adaptable to different climates and housing systems

• Stress-resistant & low disease incidence

Crossbreeding Benefits & Heterosis

• Heterosis = performance boost through crossbreeding ("hybrid vigor")

• According to Robert S. Wells, Ph.D. (Noble Foundation):

  • +11% higher weaning weights through individual heterosis

  • +18% calf weight per cow via combined individual & maternal heterosis

  • +25% higher lifetime productivity of crossbred cows (e.g. F1 cow x terminal sire)

• Economically proven:

  • +131 lbs / +60 kg more weight per calf (under ideal heterosis use)

• Average ADG in feedlots (Integrity Beef Alliance, USA, 10-year data):

  • 2.23 lbs/day (~1.01 kg/day)

  • Weaning weight: 591 lbs (approx. 268 kg)

  • Sale weight at 10–12 months: 739 lbs (approx. 335 kg)

➡️ These values confirm the strong potential of Beefmaster crossbreeding – both genetically and economically.

❗ Important context: The 1.01 kg/day ADG stems from long-term field data (Integrity Beef Alliance) under practical farm conditions (partial grazing, moderate feeding).

These are not directly comparable to the 1.5–2.0 kg/day gains achievable under intensive feedlot conditions with high-energy diets.

Scientific Sources & References

• USDA Meat Animal Research Center (Clay Center, NE):
  Beefmaster bulls and heifers achieved the best feed efficiency (weight gain vs. feed intake) among 18 tested breeds.
  Source: American Society of Animal Science, 2017

• USDA Meat Animal Research Center (Clay Center, NE):
  Beefmaster bulls and heifers achieved the best feed efficiency (weight gain vs. feed intake) among 18 tested breeds.
  Source: American Society of Animal Science, 2017

• Grow Safe Testing (2007–2021):
  Repeated studies show: Beefmasters consistently top performers in feed efficiency & residual feed intake (RFI).

• Italian Heterosis Research Project (University of Bologna, 2017):
  Beefmasters showed the highest heterosis potential globally (out of over 110 tested breeds).

• BBU Herdbook (Beefmaster Breeders United):
  Data on genomics, EPDs ($T = terminal index, $M = maternal index), carcass performance, meat quality, disposition, fertility, and more.

• Observations from European feedlots:
  Beefmaster crosses outperform other breeds like Charolais, Angus or Simmental in gain, meat quality & adaptability.

• Study by University of Bologna & Farmer’s Weekly:
  In Italian feedlots, Beefmasters showed faster post-weaning gains, excellent feed efficiency and approx. 64% dressing percentage.