Effects of Finishing Strategies on the Performance and Profitability of Boran Crossbred Cattle

A study was conducted to determine the effects of finishing strategies on the performance and economic viability of finishing Boran crossbred cattle. Fifty-four (54) bulls were allocated randomly in three feeding practices and three slaughter periods in a 3*3 factorial experiment. The feeding practices included feedlot finishing (P3), grazing with concentrate supplementation (P2), and grazing alone (P1) which served as a control. Three bulls from each practice were slaughtered at 45 days (S1), 60 days (S2), and 75 days (S3) of the finishing period. Data on feed intake, growth performance, slaughter, and carcass characteristics were recorded and economic analysis performed. The average energy and protein intake (ME, MJ/d, CP, g/d) by bulls on P3 (97, 1056) and P2 (95, 1090) were higher (P<0.05) than those on P1 (42, 499). The bulls finished on P3 and P2 had the highest average daily gain (1.08 and 0.93 Kg/d), final live weight (272.83 and 262.06 Kg), and hot carcass weight (149.62 and 140.35 Kg) compared to those on P1 (0.43 Kg/d, 231.50 Kg and 121.01Kg, respectively). A significant interaction between finishing practice and the slaughter period was detected for dry matter intake, weight gain, final weight, and variable costs, implying that bulls on P3 tended to have greater concentrate DMI at advanced finishing period (S3), resulting in higher weights, and total variable costs than those on P2. The latter group (P2) had higher profit per carcass at the same period than the former (P3). In conclusion, Boran crossbred bulls improved growth performance and carcass yield when finished for 75 days under feedlot or grazing coupled with concentrate supplementation practices. Finishing bulls on grazing and concentrate supplementation for 75 days is, however, more profitable than full-feedlot practice. Stakeholders are advised to opt for finishing bulls for 75 days on grazing with a concentrate supplementation practice for enhanced beef productivity. Further studies are proposed to assess the quality of beef produced and evaluate finishing strategies for other improved beef breeds in the country.