Shrink and Its Meaning
Shrink (weight loss) in cattle results from a loss of gut fill and/or tissue loss. Consequently, both buyers and sellers are concerned about shrink, especially since cattle that have undergone excessive shrink are also more likely to get sick.
Pasture weight is greater than market or delivery weight. Differences in these amounts depend on time, distance, previous fill and other stresses associated with the marketing process. Recovery from shrink requires anywhere from five to 30 days.
Buyers frequently want sellers to compensate for shrink by offering a 2% to 4% discount, or "pencil shrink," on direct sale bids. Buyers know that shrink is inevitable and that higher prices per pound can be offered for "shrunk" cattle. Sellers should be sure that calves are not allowed to shrink excessively before weighing so as to avoid paying for both a pencil shrink and a considerable actual shrink. For example, sellers should take care that calves are not left overnight without feed or water.
Time and Distance
Primary factors that affect gross shrink are time and distance traveled. Studies indicate that when water and feed are unavailable, cattle shrink about 1% per hour for the first three to four hours and about .25% per hour for the next eight to 10 hours.
Amount of Fill Affects Degree of Shrink
Cattle normally have more gut fill on lush grass, silage, or haylage rations than on hay or high–concentrate feedlot rations. Ensuring calves are weaned and on a hay–grain or conditioning diet will result in less shrink than shipping them directly off grass and milk. Calves sold directly off their dams suffer additional stress because they are not accustomed to eating dry feed and drinking water from unfamiliar sources.
Handling and Shipping
When cattle are handled as quietly as possible and shipped directly from the farm to their final destination in minimum time, both seller and buyer benefit. Weight loss, stress, and cost to regain pay weight are minimized.
| For more information, go to the National Beef Quality Assurance Guide for Cattle Transportation: www.tbqa.org |
Dos and Don’ts for Feeder Calf Producers
As you manage your cattle during transfer of owner, follow these tips:
- Make sure hauling and holding times are kept to a minimum.
- Don’t keep calves off feed and water before shipment; maintain them on their regular diet.
- Don’t overfill before shipment.
- Handle calves quietly, carefully, and slowly during sorting, loading, and hauling to minimize stress.
- Make every effort not to move the calves during periods of heat stress.
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Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
2116 Broadwater Ave., Suite 307/11
Billings, MT 59102,
406-896-9068,
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59718,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu