Final answer:
In beef cattle operations, feed costs represent approximately 70-80% of total costs.Feed costs in beef cattle operations are a substantial part of total costs, with inputs like corn and silage being central to beef production.
Step-by-step explanation:
In beef cattle operations, feed costs represent approximately 70-80% of total costs.
Feed costs are the largest expense in cattle production, as cattle require a significant amount of food to grow and gain weight. This includes both grazing and supplemental feeding. The cost of feed can vary depending on factors such as the type of feed and its availability, but it generally accounts for a majority of the total expenses in beef cattle operations.
For example, in a study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, feed costs accounted for around 77% of the total expenses in cow-calf operations, which is one of the primary types of beef cattle operations.