TAMU AgriLife Research: CattlActive® RA Carcass Value Study

Real-World Data on Carcass Value Improvement with CattlActive® RA

In cooperation with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Amarillo, Texas
Title

STUDY OVERVIEW

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, in partnership with the USDA-ARS, conducted an independent feedlot study evaluating the effects of CattlActive® RA — alone and in combination with Monensin® — on carcass value and grade outcomes in finishing beef steers.

 

The study was conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife & USDA-ARS Research Feedlot in Bushland, Texas, under approved animal care protocols.


It involved a 168-day finishing trial with 56 British × Continental crossbred steers, sourced from a commercial auction.

 

Four treatment groups were evaluated:

 

  • Control: no feed additive in the basal finishing diet
  • Monensin®: sodium monensin @ 33 mg/kg of dry matter (DM)
  • CattlActive® RA: 10 g/head/day CattlActive® RA
  • Monensin® + CattlActive® RA: combination of Monensin® and CattlActive® RA

All groups were fed a standardized finishing ration, transitioning from high-roughage to high-concentrate, over the 168-day period. Carcass data were collected and evaluated by trained personnel at the West Texas A&M University Beef Carcass Research Center.
Title

STUDY DESIGN

The study was conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife & USDA-ARS Research Feedlot in Bushland, Texas, under approved animal care protocols.

  • Study length: 168-day finishing trial
  • Animals: 56 British × Continental crossbred steers, sourced from a commercial auction
  • Housing: Soil-surfaced pens with ad libitum water and bunk access
  • Diet: High-roughage to high-concentrate transition, formulated to NRC standards

Treatment Groups:

  • Control: No feed additive in the basal finishing diet
  • Monensin®: Sodium monensin @ 33 mg/kg dry matter
  • CattlActive® RA: 10 g/head/day CattlActive® RA
  • Monensin® + CattlActive® RA: Combination of Monensin® and CattlActive® RA

All groups received standardized feeding protocols. Carcass data were collected by trained personnel at the West Texas A&M University Beef Carcass Research Center.
Title

KEY METRICS REPORTED
  • Carcass Grade Distribution (Prime, Choice +, Choice, Select)
  • Hot Carcass Weight
  • Dressing Percentage
  • Total Carcass Value (group and per head)
Title

RESULTS SUMMARY
Average Carcass Value per Head
Group Avg. Carcass Value/Head Difference vs. CattlActive® RA
CattlActive® RA $2,812.76 —
Monensin® + CattlActive® RA $2,776.61 - $36.15
Control $2,759.13 - $53.63
Monensin® $2,739.47 - $73.29

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
  • The CattlActive® RA group achieved the highest average carcass value per head of all groups evaluated.
  • CattlActive® RA outperformed Monensin® alone and Control, and also outperformed the Monensin® + CattlActive® RA group.
  • These results suggest that CattlActive® RA supplementation can contribute to higher carcass value outcomes, supporting profitability for feedlot operations.

Full Carcass Value Data Available
Download the full Carcass Value Breakdown Tables from the TAMU AgriLife Research study.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL BREAKDOWN DATA
Title

WHY THIS MATTERS TO PRODUCERS

Optimizing carcass value is critical for feedlot profitability. Improving dressing percentage, grade distribution, and overall carcass quality translates directly into higher returns.

 

This TAMU AgriLife Research study demonstrates that CattlActive® RA can help support these outcomes in real-world feedlot conditions — providing producers with a valuable tool to enhance profitability.

Full Study White Paper Available
Download the full TAMU AgriLife Research White Paper detailing methodology, feedlot protocol, and measured outcomes.

DOWNLOAD WHITEPAPER PDF

Have Questions About This Study or Using CattlActive® in Your Operation?

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