Performance of beef steers in the wet tropics of Queensland

Abstract

Monthly weighings were made of 1272 beef steers from 27 different drafts of stores grazed at Utchee Creek on the wet tropical coast of Queensland during 1968, 1969 and 1970. A mean annual liveweight gain of 217 kg was recorded. Rates of gain varied with the time of the year, breed and age or size of the cattle at time of purchase. Highest rates of gain were recorded during late spring and early summer, Brahman crossbred steers grew faster than Shorthorns, and large steers gained weight more rapidly than smaller ones.