# Retained Ownership of Beef Calves: Feedlot and Marketing Decisions ## Key Takeaways - Retained ownership necessitates calves with superior genetic potential for growth and carcass traits, evidenced by weaning weights exceeding breed averages and ultrasound data for ribeye area, backfat, and marbling. - A rigorous preconditioning program, including at least 45 days of weaning prior to feedlot entry, comprehensive vaccination protocols for respiratory pathogens and clostridial diseases, and parasite control, is critical for mitigating biological risk and improving feedlot performance. - Financial risk management is paramount, requiring strategies to mitigate price volatility through futures, options, or Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance, and feed cost fluctuations via forward contracting or hedging. - Grid marketing, which adjusts base prices based on carcass characteristics like quality grade (e.g., Prime, Choice) and yield grade (e.g., YG 1-2), is the primary strategy to capture the value of superior genetics and management, rewarding producers for desirable end-product traits. - Accurate record-keeping, including individual calf data, detailed feedlot closeout metrics (ADG, feed conversion, death loss), and carcass data, is essential for performance benchmarking against industry averages and historical data to identify and rectify management inefficiencies. - Persistent high death loss (>3% for two consecutive pens) or chronic poor feed conversion (>7.0 for two consecutive pens) warrants immediate consultation with a veterinarian or nutritionist, respectively, to address potential systemic health issues or ration formulation problems. --- Retained ownership of beef calves means you, the cow-calf producer, maintain ownership of your calves through the feedlot phase and market the finished cattle, instead of selling them at weaning. This approach allows you to capture the value of superior genetics, management, and carcass quality that may be discounted in traditional calf markets. The primary intent of this article is to provide you with a practical framework for evaluating feedlot placement, managing financial and biological risk, and selecting marketing strategies for retained ownership. This information is for cow-calf producers who are considering or currently practicing retained ownership and need concrete management decisions, records, and escalation criteria. ## At a Glance: Retained Ownership Decision Framework The decision to retain ownership involves tradeoffs between potential profit and increased risk. The table below summarizes key factors to evaluate before committing calves to a retained ownership program. | Factor | Consideration | Typical Observation or Record | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Calf Genetics** | Calves must have growth potential and carcass traits that exceed industry averages to justify retained ownership. | Weaning weights, yearling weights, ultrasound carcass data (ribeye area, backfat, marbling) from a sample of calves. | | **Feedlot Capacity and Management** | You need access to a feedlot with appropriate facilities, nutrition, and health management for finishing cattle. | Feedlot closeout records (average daily gain, feed conversion, days on feed, mortality, morbidity). | | **Financial Risk Tolerance** | Retained ownership exposes you to price risk (fed cattle, feed, interest) and production risk (death loss, poor performance). | Budgets comparing retained ownership returns to weaned calf sale returns, including all costs (feed, yardage, veterinary, interest, death loss). | | **Marketing Strategy** | You must have a plan to sell finished cattle, such as a grid, formula, or cash market. | Grid premiums and discounts for quality grade, yield grade, and carcass weight, formula contract terms, cash market price history. | | **Health Program** | Calves must be prepared for feedlot entry with a comprehensive vaccination and parasite control program. | Preconditioning records (vaccination dates, products, boosters, weaning date, deworming, castration, dehorning). | ## Defining Retained Ownership Retained ownership is a management system where the cow-calf producer continues to own calves after weaning through the growing and finishing phases, ultimately selling the finished cattle to a packer. This contrasts with the traditional system where calves are sold at weaning to a stocker or feedlot operator. The core principle is that the producer assumes the costs and risks of the feeding period in exchange for the potential to receive payment based on the actual carcass value of the cattle, instead of an industry average price. As noted in research on retained ownership, this approach allows the cow-calf producer to be compensated for the actual value of the beef produced, and because most calf marketing schemes value cattle based on industry averages, there is potential to augment income if cattle have characteristics that result in performance and end-product superior to industry average [9]. Retained ownership through the feedlot and then marketing finished cattle through a value-based program allows the cow-calf producer to be compensated for the actual value of the beef produced [9]. This system is different from traditional beef cattle management approaches wherein calves change ownership from the cow-calf operation to the growing phase and finally to the finishing or feedlot phase. ## Feedlot Placement Decisions ### Calf Selection Criteria Not all calves are suitable for retained ownership. You must select calves with the genetic potential for efficient growth and desirable carcass traits. Key selection criteria include: - **Weaning Weight:** Calves should have weaning weights that indicate good growth potential. Record individual weaning weights and compare them to breed averages. - **Frame Score and Muscle:** Calves should have a frame score appropriate for your target market and sufficient muscling. Visual appraisal and ultrasound measurements can be used. - **Temperament:** Calves with poor temperament (flighty, aggressive) are more prone to stress and injury, which can reduce performance and carcass quality. Cull or manage these animals separately. - **Health Status:** Calves must be healthy and have completed a preconditioning program. Do not place sick or chronically ill calves into the feedlot. ### Preconditioning and Health Management A rigorous preconditioning program is essential for retained ownership. This program should be completed at least 30 days before feedlot entry. Key components include: - **Weaning:** Wean calves at least 45 days before feedlot entry to allow them to recover from the stress of weaning and learn to eat from a bunk. - **Vaccination:** Administer a complete vaccination program for viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens, as well as clostridial diseases. Follow label directions for timing and boosters. - **Parasite Control:** Treat for internal and external parasites. - **Castration and Dehorning:** Perform these procedures well before weaning to allow for complete healing. - **Bunk Training:** Train calves to eat from a feed bunk and drink from a waterer before entering the feedlot. The health status of calves at feedlot entry is a major determinant of subsequent performance. Research on [bovine coronavirus](/knowledge/viruses/livestock-viruses/bovine-coronavirus) infections in transported beef cattle has shown that commingled calves from multiple sources have a higher risk of infection compared to sole-source ranch calves [5][11]. This highlights the importance of a closed herd or a well-managed preconditioning program for retained ownership calves. ### Receiving and Acclimation The first 30 days in the feedlot are critical. Implement a structured receiving protocol: 1. **Arrival Processing:** Upon arrival, process calves through a chute. Record individual identification, weight, and body condition score. Administer any necessary booster vaccinations and a metaphylactic antimicrobial if recommended by your veterinarian based on risk assessment. 2. **Nutrition:** Start calves on a high-quality receiving ration (grass hay and a concentrate starter feed). Gradually increase the energy density of the ration over 2 to 3 weeks. 3. **Observation:** Observe calves multiple times daily for signs of illness (depression, nasal discharge, cough, diarrhea, off feed). Have a treatment protocol in place for sick animals. 4. **Water and Bunk Space:** Ensure adequate access to clean water and bunk space (at least 30 cm per calf). ## Risk Management in Retained Ownership ### Financial Risk Retained ownership involves significant financial risk. You must manage price risk, feed cost risk, and production risk. - **Price Risk:** The price of fed cattle can fluctuate significantly. Use futures and options contracts to lock in a price for a portion of your cattle. Consider using a Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance policy. - **Feed Cost Risk:** Feed is the largest variable cost in a feedlot. Lock in feed prices by forward contracting corn, hay, or other feedstuffs. Use futures and options for corn if appropriate. - **Production Risk:** Death loss, poor average daily gain, and high feed conversion can erode profits. Manage this risk through good genetics, health, and nutrition. Use closeout records to identify and address problems. ### Biological Risk Biological risks include disease outbreaks, lameness, and digestive upsets (bloat, acidosis). Mitigate these risks through: - **Biosecurity:** Implement a biosecurity plan to prevent the introduction of disease. This includes isolating new arrivals, controlling visitor access, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment. - **Nutritional Management:** Work with a nutritionist to formulate rations that meet the calves requirements and minimize the risk of digestive upsets. Avoid sudden ration changes. - **Health Monitoring:** Have a veterinarian develop a herd health plan that includes vaccination protocols, treatment protocols, and a mortality review process. ### Market Risk Market risk is the risk that the finished cattle will not meet the specifications of your target market. Manage this risk by: - **Knowing Your Market:** Understand the grid premiums and discounts for your target packer. A grid may pay a premium for Prime and Choice carcasses and discount Select and Standard carcasses. - **Sorting and Grouping:** Sort cattle into uniform groups based on weight, frame size, and body condition. This allows you to manage them to a specific endpoint and market them more effectively. - **Using Carcass Data:** Use ultrasound or other technologies to predict carcass merit before slaughter. This information can help you make marketing decisions. ## Marketing Strategies for Retained Ownership ### Grid Marketing Grid marketing is the most common method for selling retained ownership cattle. Under a grid, the base price is adjusted based on the carcass characteristics of each animal. Premiums are paid for desirable traits (Prime or Choice quality grade, Yield Grade 1 or 2, heavy carcass weight) and discounts are applied for undesirable traits (Select or Standard quality grade, Yield Grade 4 or 5, light or heavy carcass weight, dark cutters). This system rewards producers who can consistently produce high-quality carcasses. ### Formula Marketing Formula marketing involves a contract between the producer and the packer that specifies a pricing formula. The formula may be based on a futures price, a cash market price, or a combination of factors. Formula contracts can provide price certainty but may not capture the full value of superior carcasses. ### Cash Marketing Cash marketing involves selling finished cattle on the open market. This is the simplest method but offers the least price protection. Cash prices are typically lower than grid prices for high-quality cattle. ### Value-Added Programs Some packers and retailers offer value-added programs that pay premiums for cattle that meet specific criteria, such as: - **Natural or Organic:** Cattle raised without antibiotics or growth promotants. - **Grass-Fed:** Cattle finished on forage. - **Branded Programs:** Programs that require specific genetics or management practices. ## Records and Measurements Accurate records are essential for evaluating the profitability of retained ownership. Maintain the following records: ### Individual Calf Records - Weaning weight - Date of birth - Sire and dam identification - Vaccination history - Health treatments ### Feedlot Closeout Records For each pen of cattle, record: - Number of head - Total days on feed - Total pounds of feed consumed - Total pounds of gain - Average daily gain (ADG) - Feed conversion (pounds of feed per pound of gain) - Death loss (number and percentage) - Morbidity (number and percentage of sick animals) - Cost of feed, yardage, veterinary, and interest ### Carcass Data For each animal, record: - Hot carcass weight - Ribeye area - Backfat thickness - Marbling score - Quality grade - Yield grade - Any discounts (dark cutter, bruise) ## Common Failure Patterns ### Poor Calf Selection Selecting calves with poor genetics for growth or carcass quality is a common failure. This results in low average daily gain, poor feed conversion, and carcasses that are heavily discounted on the grid. ### Inadequate Preconditioning Sending calves to the feedlot without a proper preconditioning program leads to high morbidity and mortality from respiratory disease. This increases veterinary costs and reduces performance. ### Poor Nutrition Feeding an unbalanced ration or making sudden ration changes can cause digestive upsets (bloat, acidosis) and reduce feed efficiency. Work with a nutritionist to formulate rations. ### Inadequate Health Management Failing to observe calves for signs of illness or having a delayed treatment protocol can lead to chronic disease and death loss. ### Market Timing Selling finished cattle when the market is low can negate the benefits of retained ownership. Use risk management tools to protect against price declines. ## Welfare and Safety Context ### Animal Welfare Retained ownership places the responsibility for the welfare of the cattle during the feeding period on the producer. Key welfare considerations include: - **Stocking Density:** Do not overcrowd pens. Provide adequate space for all cattle to lie down, eat, and drink. - **Handling:** Use low-stress handling techniques. Avoid excessive use of electric prods. - **Health:** Promptly treat sick or injured animals. Have a euthanasia protocol in place for animals that cannot be treated humanely. - **Nutrition:** Provide a balanced ration and clean water at all times. - **Environment:** Provide shade and windbreaks as needed. Manage mud and manure to prevent health problems. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare that can guide your practices [4]. ### Worker Safety Feedlot work involves hazards such as large animals, heavy equipment, and slippery surfaces. Implement a safety program that includes: - **Training:** Train all workers on safe animal handling, equipment operation, and emergency procedures. - **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** Require workers to wear appropriate PPE, such as steel-toed boots, gloves, and hearing protection. - **Facility Design:** Design facilities to minimize worker exposure to hazards. ### [Food Safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) As the producer of finished cattle, you have a responsibility to produce safe beef. Key food safety considerations include: - **Withdrawal Times:** Adhere to all withdrawal times for vaccines, antimicrobials, and other animal health products. - **Biosecurity:** Prevent the introduction of foodborne pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella) into the feedlot. - **Carcass Hygiene:** Ensure that cattle are clean and free of mud and manure before slaughter. ## Professional Escalation Criteria You should seek professional advice from a veterinarian, nutritionist, or agricultural economist in the following situations: - **High Morbidity or Mortality:** If you experience an outbreak of disease that results in high morbidity or mortality, consult your veterinarian immediately. - **Poor Performance:** If your cattle are not achieving expected average daily gain or feed conversion, consult a nutritionist to review your ration and management practices. - **Financial Losses:** If you are consistently losing money on retained ownership, consult an agricultural economist to review your budget and marketing strategy. - **Regulatory Issues:** If you have questions about compliance with environmental regulations or food safety requirements, consult a regulatory specialist. ## Feedlot Closeout Analysis and Benchmarking for Retained Ownership A feedlot closeout is the final summary of performance and financial outcomes for a pen of cattle. For retained ownership operations, the closeout report is the primary tool for evaluating whether your management decisions, genetics, and marketing strategy generated a profit. Without systematic closeout analysis, you cannot identify which calves, rations, or health protocols produced superior returns. This section provides a practical framework for generating, interpreting, and benchmarking closeout records to improve future retained ownership decisions. ### Essential Closeout Metrics Every feedlot closeout should include the following core performance and financial metrics. Record these for each pen of cattle. **Performance Metrics:** - Number of head started and finished - Total days on feed - Total pounds of feed consumed (as-fed and dry matter basis) - Total pounds of gain (total live weight gain for the pen) - Average daily gain (ADG) in pounds per day - Feed conversion (pounds of feed per pound of gain, dry matter basis) - Death loss (number and percentage) - Morbidity (number and percentage of animals treated at least once) - Average final live weight **Financial Metrics:** - Total feed cost (including processing and delivery) - Total yardage cost (per head per day) - Total veterinary and medical cost - Total interest cost (on cattle and feed) - Total other costs (transportation, marketing, insurance) - Total cost of gain (total cost divided by total pounds of gain) - Breakeven price (total cost divided by total pounds of beef sold) - Net return per head (total revenue minus total cost) The Merck Veterinary Manual provides guidance on [feedlot health management](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/food-animal-medicine/feedlot-health-management-arrival-protocols-disease-surveillance) and record keeping that supports accurate closeout data collection [2]. Without standardized records, you cannot compare performance across pens or years. ### Benchmarking Your Closeout Data Benchmarking means comparing your closeout metrics to industry averages or to your own historical performance. This identifies areas where your operation excels or needs improvement. **Industry Benchmarks:** Typical feedlot performance benchmarks for retained ownership calves include: - ADG: 3.0 to 4.0 pounds per day for finishing cattle - Feed conversion: 5.5 to 6.5 pounds of dry matter feed per pound of gain - Death loss: less than 2 percent for preconditioned calves - Morbidity: less than 10 percent for preconditioned calves These benchmarks vary by breed, frame size, ration energy density, and days on feed. Your specific targets should be developed with your nutritionist and veterinarian based on your cattle type and management system. **Historical Benchmarks:** Maintain a database of closeout records from your own operation. Compare each new pen to your five-pen rolling average. This accounts for your specific genetics, facilities, and management style. A pen that falls below your historical average for ADG or feed conversion warrants investigation. ### Common Failure Patterns Identified Through Closeout Analysis Closeout records reveal recurring problems that undermine retained ownership profitability. The following patterns are frequently observed. **High Death Loss with Low Morbidity:** If death loss is high but few animals were treated for illness, the problem is likely acute disease that kills before clinical signs are detected. This pattern suggests inadequate vaccination, overwhelming pathogen exposure at arrival, or poor bunk management leading to acidosis or bloat. Review your receiving protocol and consult your veterinarian. **Low ADG with Acceptable Feed Conversion:** If calves gain slowly but convert feed efficiently, the problem is likely low feed intake. This can result from poor bunk management, inadequate water availability, heat stress, or subclinical disease. Check bunk space, water flow rates, and environmental conditions. Review your ration formulation with a nutritionist. **Acceptable ADG with Poor Feed Conversion:** If calves gain well but eat too much feed per pound of gain, the problem is likely excessive wastage, poor ration digestibility, or high maintenance requirements due to cold stress or mud. Evaluate [feed bunk management](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/feedlot-feed-bunk-management-reading-adjusting-intake) to reduce waste. Work with your nutritionist to improve ration digestibility. **High Morbidity with Low Death Loss:** If many calves are treated but few die, your health program is detecting disease early and treating effectively. However, high morbidity still reduces performance and increases costs. Investigate the underlying cause of disease outbreaks, such as commingling stress or inadequate vaccination. Research on bovine coronavirus infections in transported beef cattle has shown that commingled calves from multiple sources have a higher risk of infection compared to sole-source ranch calves [5][11]. This finding supports the practice of retaining ownership of your own calves instead of purchasing commingled feeder cattle. **Carcass Discounts Exceeding Premiums:** If your grid settlement shows more discounts than premiums, your cattle are not meeting packer specifications. Common discounts include heavy or light carcass weight, low quality grade, high yield grade, and dark cutters. Review your genetics, days on feed, and marketing timing. Consider using ultrasound to predict carcass merit before slaughter. ### Practical Decision Framework for Closeout Review Use the following step-by-step process to review each closeout and make management adjustments. **Step 1: Gather Complete Data** Collect the closeout report for the pen. Verify that all costs are included and that performance metrics are calculated correctly. Compare the closeout to your budget projections. **Step 2: Compare to Benchmarks** Compare each metric to your historical average and to industry benchmarks. Identify metrics that fall outside acceptable ranges. **Step 3: Identify Root Causes** For each underperforming metric, list possible causes. Use your records to narrow the list. For example, if ADG is low, check feed intake records, weather data, and health treatment records. **Step 4: Prioritize Changes** Rank the identified problems by their impact on profitability. Focus on the one or two changes that will have the largest effect on net return. **Step 5: Implement and Monitor** Make the changes for the next pen of cattle. Monitor performance closely and compare the new closeout to previous results. **Step 6: Escalate Persistent Problems** If the same problem appears in multiple closeouts despite your changes, seek professional advice. Consult your veterinarian for health issues, your nutritionist for feed-related problems, or an agricultural economist for financial analysis. ### Records and Measurements for Closeout Analysis Maintain the following records to support closeout analysis. **Pen-Level Records:** - Pen identification number - Number of head and average starting weight - Date started and date finished - Daily feed delivery records (type and amount) - Daily mortality and morbidity records - Weather data (temperature, precipitation, wind) **Individual Animal Records:** - Identification (ear tag or electronic ID) - Starting weight and date - Health treatments (date, product, dose, route) - Final weight and carcass data **Financial Records:** - Feed invoices (including delivery charges) - Yardage charges - Veterinary and medical invoices - Interest calculations - Marketing and transportation costs - Grid settlement sheets The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare that can guide your record-keeping practices [4]. Accurate records are essential for identifying problems and making informed decisions. ### Welfare and Safety Context for Closeout Analysis Closeout metrics are directly linked to animal welfare and worker safety. **Welfare Indicators:** High morbidity and mortality rates indicate welfare problems. A death loss above 2 percent or morbidity above 10 percent should trigger a review of your health management, nutrition, and environment. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides guidance on animal welfare in livestock production systems [3]. Ensure that your facilities provide adequate space, clean water, and protection from extreme weather. **Worker Safety:** Closeout analysis can identify safety hazards. For example, high morbidity may indicate that workers are not detecting illness early, which can lead to handling sick animals that are more difficult to manage. Review your training protocols and facility design to reduce worker exposure to hazards. ### Professional Escalation Criteria Seek professional advice in the following situations identified through closeout analysis. - **Persistent High Death Loss:** If death loss exceeds 3 percent for two consecutive pens, consult your veterinarian immediately. This may indicate a systemic health problem or management failure. - **Chronic Poor Feed Conversion:** If feed conversion exceeds 7.0 for two consecutive pens, consult a nutritionist to review your ration formulation and feeding management. - **Recurring Carcass Discounts:** If more than 20 percent of carcasses receive discounts for quality or yield grade, consult a geneticist or extension specialist to evaluate your breeding program. - **Negative Net Returns:** If you experience negative net returns for two consecutive pens, consult an agricultural economist to review your budget, cost structure, and marketing strategy. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the definition of retained ownership in beef cattle? Retained ownership is a management system where the cow-calf producer maintains ownership of calves after weaning through the growing and finishing phases, ultimately selling the finished cattle to a packer. This allows the producer to capture the value of superior genetics and management. ### What are the main advantages of retaining ownership of calves? The main advantage is the potential for increased profit by capturing the value of superior carcass quality and feedlot performance. It also allows the producer to receive feedback on their genetics through carcass data, which can be used to improve the breeding program. ### What are the main risks of retained ownership? The main risks include financial risk (price fluctuations, feed costs), biological risk (disease, death loss), and market risk (carcass discounts). Producers must have a risk management plan in place. ### What is the best marketing strategy for retained ownership cattle? Grid marketing is often the best strategy because it rewards producers for producing high-quality carcasses. However, formula or cash marketing may be appropriate depending on market conditions and the producers risk tolerance. ### How do I select calves for retained ownership? Select calves with good growth potential (weaning weight), desirable carcass traits (frame score, muscle), good temperament, and a clean health history. Cull calves with poor genetics or health problems. ### What is a preconditioning program and why is it important? A preconditioning program is a set of management practices completed before feedlot entry, including weaning, vaccination, parasite control, castration, and bunk training. It is critical for reducing stress and disease risk in the feedlot. ### How do I manage the financial risk of retained ownership? Use futures and options to lock in fed cattle and feed prices. Consider Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance. Maintain accurate records to track costs and returns. ### Where can I find more information on retained ownership? Consult your local extension service, veterinarian, nutritionist, and agricultural economist. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides resources on grazing and livestock management [1]. The Merck Veterinary Manual offers information on feedlot health and nutrition [2]. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides global perspectives on animal production [3]. The USDA National Agricultural Library has resources on animal health and welfare [4]. ## Related Farming Guides - [Beef Cattle Pinkeye Risk Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-pinkeye-risk-management) - [Beef Cattle Backgrounding Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-backgrounding-management) - [Beef Cattle Manure Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-manure-management) - [Beef Cattle Marketing Records](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-marketing-records) - [Beef Cattle Mud Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-mud-management) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Cattle Head Gate Selection and Adjustment](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/cattle-head-gate-selection-and-adjustment) * [Beef Cattle Handling Facility Flow](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-handling-facility-flow) * [Beef Cattle Maternity Pen Design: Comfort and Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-maternity-pen-design-comfort-monitoring) ## References and Further Reading - [www.nrcs.usda.gov](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/) - [www.merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [Bovine coronavirus (BCV) infections in transported commingled beef cattle and sole-source ranch calves.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22210995). Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire, 2011. - [Returns to Retained Ownership through Finishing for Beef Cattle Originating from Tennessee](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/249cdf2fced0cbe356c1862bd5cd4513940a5016). 2015. - [Evaluation of Beef Cattle Operations Utilizing Different Seasons of Calving, Weaning Strategies, Postweaning Management, and Retained Ownership](https://doi.org/10.15232/S1080-7446%2815%2930862-7). 2008. - [Utilizing cow-calf producer information to increase profits in retained ownership of beef cattle](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/fb0e0b2ea62483eb40410ad307937764c2937deb). 2011. - [Outcomes of Synchronization and Timed Insemination Coupled with Retained Ownership in a Commercial Beef Cattle Operation](https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20064752). American Association of Bovine Practitioners Conference Proceedings, 2006. - [Effects of Weaning Date and Retained Ownership on Cattle Performance and Forage Disappearance in Spring Calving Beef Systems](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2c37ea3110af70a772c599b574d75fb3041618c2). 2005. - [Bovine coronavirus (BCV) infections in transported commingled beef cattle and sole-source ranch calves](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/79960222234). Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 2011. - [Management strategies for pastures, beef cattle, and marketing of stocker-feeder calves in the Upper South: The I-64 Corridor](https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814474-9.00009-8). Management Strategies for Sustainable Cattle Production in Southern Pastures, 2019. - [Effects of Time of Supplementation on Beef Stocker Calves Grazing Ryegrass. I. Performance and Economic Analysis](https://doi.org/10.15232/S1080-7446%2815%2930783-X). Professional Animal Scientist, 2009. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.