What relationship does the age of slaughter in cattle have in comparison to economic profits?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Relationship Between Age of Slaughter in Cattle and Economic Profits
Economic Impact of Age at Slaughter
The age at which cattle are slaughtered has a significant impact on economic profits. Research indicates that the optimal slaughter age varies depending on several factors, including breed, feeding programs, and management practices. For instance, a study on Hanwoo steers found that the optimal slaughter age for maximizing income was around 28 to 31 months. Steers slaughtered at 28 months yielded the highest income, but profits decreased if slaughtered later. Similarly, another study highlighted that the profit of three-year-old cattle was higher than that of one-year-old cattle by $279 per head, emphasizing the importance of age in economic returns.
Carcass Characteristics and Profitability
Carcass characteristics such as weight, marbling score, and rib-eye area are closely linked to the age at slaughter and significantly affect profitability. For example, the relationship between slaughter age and carcass weight was found to be strong, while the relationship with marbling score was weaker. Optimal carcass traits were observed in steers slaughtered between 26 to 31 months, which positively influenced income. Additionally, the economic value of carcass traits like dressing carcass rate and carcass growth was positively correlated with age at slaughter, further supporting the economic benefits of optimizing slaughter age.
Management and Genetic Factors
Management practices and genetic factors also play crucial roles in determining the optimal slaughter age. Studies have shown that economic weights and selection indexes for genetic variables can be optimized by controlling management variables such as age, weight, or fat depth at slaughter. This optimization ensures that the economic returns are maximized for the current genotype. Moreover, the profitability of beef production is influenced by factors like breed, feeding level, and marbling, with age being a critical determinant.
Seasonal and Market Influences
Seasonal trends and market conditions also affect the economic outcomes related to the age of slaughter. For instance, the price per kilogram of cull cow carcasses was highest for very young cows, and the value differences between younger and older cows were more pronounced in dual-purpose breeds compared to dairy breeds. This indicates that market dynamics and seasonal variations must be considered when determining the optimal slaughter age to maximize profits.
Sustainable Intensification and Environmental Impact
Reducing the slaughter age can also contribute to sustainable intensification in cattle production. In the Brazilian Amazon, decreasing the slaughter age has been associated with increased production per hectare and reduced deforestation. This practice not only enhances economic returns but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions from cattle production, provided it is coupled with strict zero-deforestation policies.
Conclusion
In summary, the age at slaughter is a critical factor influencing the economic profitability of cattle production. Optimal slaughter age varies based on breed, management practices, and market conditions. By carefully managing these variables, producers can maximize economic returns while also contributing to sustainable cattle production practices.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A bio-economic model to improve profitability in a large national beef cattle population
Carcass Characteristics and Profitability Analysis Based on Slaughter Age of Hanwoo Steers
Factors associated with age at slaughter and carcass weight, price, and value of dairy cull cows.
Analysis of the Factors Influencing Economic Profit of Beef Production
Selection for carcass and feedlot traits considering alternative slaughter end points and optimized management.
Factors affecting carcass value and profitability in early-weaned Simmental steers: II. Days on feed endpoints and sorting strategies.
Relationship of Age at First Calving, Days Open, Days Dry, and Herdlife to a Profit function for Dairy Cattle
Sustainable intensification in the Brazilian cattle industry: the role for reduced slaughter age
Trends and factors associated with dairy calf early slaughter in Ireland, 2018–2022
The effectiveness of rearing of steers of Aubrac breed depending on the age of their slaughter
Try another search
Zinc and depression
Why do we yawn?
What is the potential of virtual reality in treating phobias and anxiety disorders?
What is the potential of synthetic biology and bioengineering in addressing global food security and environmental sustainability?
Where does the moon go when it's not out at night?
work performance