How do finishing diets differ from growing diets for cattle?

Finishing diets are specifically designed to prepare cattle for market by maximizing weight gain and improving carcass quality. These diets are typically higher in energy, which is essential for promoting rapid weight gain just before slaughter. Energy dense feeds, often including greater amounts of grains, are used in finishing diets to ensure that the cattle can efficiently convert feed into body mass.

In contrast, growing diets are more focused on protein intake to support skeletal growth and muscle development as the young cattle mature. While energy is still important in growing diets, the emphasis is on providing sufficient protein to facilitate the development of lean muscle and overall body structure.

Therefore, the distinction of finishing diets being energy-rich aligns with the goal of achieving maximal growth and fat deposition necessary for optimal market readiness in beef cattle.