Potential gains from an accelerated production system for natural beef.

摘要

This study evaluates the possibility of implementing an accelerated production management system (APMS) to produce natural beef competitively. This was accomplished by comparing a group of "nonnatural" cattle under a traditionally managed system (TMS) to an APMS. Animal performance records in the two systems were provided as a means to compare inputs, costs, and overall quality of the beef produced.; Partial enterprise budgets were produced to compare the two systems. From the two budgets it was concluded that the APMS would not produce sufficient increases in revenue to cover added costs (compared to the TMS) if premiums were not applied for the natural product. APMS cattle are younger and may be able to capture a marketing premium. Accelerated production of beef could be a very attractive means for entering the natural beef market for producers and is clearly a viable option based on the research findings of this thesis.