How many pounds should a steer in a feedyard gain per day?

In a feedyard, the typical weight gain for a steer per day is around three pounds. This rate of gain is generally considered optimal for achieving efficient and economically viable beef production. Steers are typically fed a high-energy diet designed to maximize their growth during the finishing phase, which usually lasts several months before market.

Daily gain can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of feed, management practices, and the genetic potential of the animal. A gain of three pounds per day strikes a balance between growth performance and the health of the animal, ensuring that the steer is efficiently converting feed into muscle without over-fattening or compromising its well-being.

Options such as two pounds per day could be seen as underperformance in many feedyard settings, while gains of five or more pounds are often too aggressive and might lead to health issues like acidosis or other metabolic disorders due to rapid growth rates. This balance is crucial for maintaining product quality and for economic efficiency in livestock operations.