Effect of Delayed Kill Date on Net Income

With our group members running wapiti and/or hybrid finishing stock a large proportion of the male yearlings have comfortably reached slaughter rates in the spring (Sept-Oct) But would there be an advantage in holding these animals longer to achieve even heavier weights?

Results: Farm A (40 day delay)

Animals increased LWT by 21kg but schedule dropped by 75c/kg

10/10/15: 107kg LWT x.56 yield x $8.75= $524/head (predicted)

20/11/15: 128kg LWT x .56 yield x $8.00= $573/head (actual)

Difference; $49/head

Add: spiker velvet return; + $54/head

Less: cost of additional feed; - $24/head

Nett Benefit: $79/head

Results: Farm B (21 day delay)

Animals increased carcass weight by an estimated 3kg.

The schedule remained at $8.75 during the 21days

Extra Venison: 3kg x $8.75 $26/head

Add: spiker velvet return; + $27/head

Less: cost of additional feed; - $13/head

Nett Benefit: $40/head

Projects