Final answer:
Advantages of finishing cattle on grain/concentration rations include quicker growth, consistent quality, and higher feed efficiency. Disadvantages include environmental impact and potential health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advantages of finishing cattle on grain/concentration rations:
- Quicker growth: Cattle fed grain-based diets tend to grow faster compared to those on grass-only diets, allowing them to reach market weight sooner.
- Consistent quality: Grain-fed cattle produce meat with consistent marbling and tenderness, which is favored by consumers and can command higher market prices.
- Higher feed efficiency: Grain-based diets are more efficiently converted into weight gain by cattle, resulting in higher feed efficiency.
Disadvantages of finishing cattle on grain/concentration rations:
- Environmental impact: Concentrated feedlot operations can contribute to environmental issues such as water and air pollution.
- Health concerns: Cattle fed grain-based diets may be more susceptible to certain health issues such as liver abscesses or acidosis.