THE 2016 Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial mid-term field day drew exhibitors from as far afield as Armidale and Inverell last Friday.
Producers took the opportunity to come and look at their steers after 70 days on feed at Teys Australia’s Jindalee feedlot, Stockinbingal.
The trial includes 360 steers from 43 individual vendors across NSW and Victoria, representing 19 different breeds and crosses, that entered the feedlot on September 17, 2015, on a 112 day feed ration for an exit date of January 7, 2016.
Trial co-ordinator Brett Tindal, Wagga Wagga, said the steers were all vaccinated with Bovilis Mh+IBR three weeks prior to entry and given another treatment at induction.
“At present we had only seen less than one per cent mortality which was well below the industry standard,” he said.
Mr Tindal said the trial had again been well supported, despite booming cattle prices at the time of entry which restricted those entering.
The good season in the south also saw cattle turned off at heavier weights earlier than usual.
“This support for the trial was solely based around the chase for the feedback we offer and the in-depth analysis we give on the exhibitors steers, they are unable to get anywhere else,” Mr Tindal said.
Jindalee Feedlot manager Shane Bullock, Stockinbingal, said the cattle were trending as per last year, with a really good start and were consuming about 15.5 kilograms per head per day.
“We continue to focus on animal health, with an aim to decrease any animal health impacts in the cattle while on feed, this year we are seeing an improvement in animal health over last year," he said.
Trial analyst Jeff House, Forbes, said the average pay weight for the trial cattle was 397kg, with 96 per cent of them hitting the correct specifications at induction between 320 and 460kg, with 88pc of the trial cattle compiling with all induction specifications and for the first time 100pc of the paperwork was correct at induction.
Mr House said all the cattle aimed at hitting the specifications for one or all of the Teys Australia brands, Riverine Premium, Teys Premium Black Angus and Teys Classic.
“We are looking at yield, eating quality, weight, marbling and overall performance, coupled with the education process of filling in paperwork and complying with industry standards.
The trial will culminate on January 7, when the steers exit the feedlot for processing.
A presentation dinner will be held on January 29, 2016 in Wagga Wagga, where exhibitors will receive feedback and a chance to share in a $20,000 prize pool.
Mr Tindal thanked all sponsors for their support.
