# Economic deterministic analysis of feedlot-finished steers slaughtered at different weights

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of feedlot-finished steers through financial indicators of risk and return, via deterministic analysis, based on average values quotations practiced in Rio Grande do Sul state in the years 2004-2012. We used 18 Charolais steers with average initial age of 30 months and average initial weight of 297.0kg ± 11.5kg. We evaluated three predetermined slaughter weights: 420, 460 and 500kg, being the weights obtained of 421, 461 and 495kg, respectively. Variable costs represented 98% of total cost, and of these, the most representative were purchase of feeder cattle and food (forage + concentrate). The estimates of the financial indicators to slaughter weights of 421, 461 and 495kg were, respectively: R$-266.30, -323.49 and -417.18 for gross margin; R$ -289.70, -440.59 and 346.90 for net margin; R$-344.89, -419.93 and -536.24 for profit; R$ -316.78, -381.92 and -483.67 for net present value; 0.85, 0.83 and 0.81 for index benefit:cost, -2.65%, -2.52% and -2.58% for additional return on investment; -5.02%, -4.57% and -4.56% for the internal rate of return (a.m.); and 7.05, 8.37 and 9.86 months for discounted payback. Although these results indicate infeasibility of termination at any slaughter weight, lower weights resulted in lower economic losses, making this technology of high economic risk.

beef cattle; finishing system; ideal slaughter weight; investment analysis; risk analysis

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