Influence of Breed, Sex, Lot Size and Weight on Feeder Cattle Prices

Data from special feeder cattle sales at Worland, Wyoming for November and December, 1973 to 1974 were analyzed using least squares analysis of variance with unequal subclass numbers. As expected, prices for steers were significantly (P<.01) higher than for heifers. Prices for Hereford, Angus × Hereford crosses and Charolais crosses were not significantly different in either 1973 or 1974. Prices for Hereford and Angus × Hereford crosses were significantly (P<.05) higher than Angus in both years. Prices for Charolais crosses differed significantly (P<05) from Angus in 1974, but not in 1973. Price variation due to weight was highly significant (P<.01) in 1973 when prices were high. Prices did not vary significantly with weight in 1974 when purchase prices were lower and feed prices higher resulting in gain costs higher than purchase price of the animals. Price increased by $.22/100 lb ($.49/100 kg) and $.16/100 lb ($.36/100 kg) per animal increase in lot size for 1973 and 1974, respectively. Copyright © 1976. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1976 by American Society of Animal Science.