Cost effectiveness of feeding cattle genotypes fed rice straw with graded levels of concentrate supplements

Abstract

Cattle genotypes and adoption of new feeding technology are necessary for improving beef cattle production and managing efficiently beef production costs. A study was conducted to determine the effects of cattle genotypes and levels of concentrate supplements on cost effectiveness of feedlot beef production in a Complete Randomized Block Design in 3×4 factorial arrangements with 4 replications. Feeds were urea-treated rice straw (UTRS: 4%, w/w) and concentrates made from decorticated cottonseed cake (66%) and maize bran (34%). The experimental animals were Ankole (A×A: n=16), Ankole × Friesian (A×F: n=16) and Ankole × Sahiwal (A×S: n=16) steers. Proxy indicators used to determine profitability and likelihood of economic viability were Initial and Final values of carcass existing abattoir price (RwF 1800/kg beef); Break-even scenarios using What-if Analysis in Excel, 2010; and Gross Margin (GM). Results suggested that cost effectiveness of feedlot beef did not differ (p>0.05) by genotype; but they differed (p<0.05) by diets. It is concluded that beef feedlots using UTRS was marginally economical at 500 g/day of concentrate supplements. A policy incentive to reduce Breakeven Price (BEP) is suggested. A confirmatory study using actual slaughters is recommended. Key words: Feedlot beef production, cattle genotype, gross margin, what-if analysis.