In addition, losses in carcass weight or shrink represent a further significant economic loss. Shrink losses can take a big bite out of profit prospects. Beef cattle lose weight rapidly in the period following their removal from feed at the farm to the point of slaughter. These live weight losses are also linked with losses in carcass weight. In one
study, in the first 24 hours of fasting in steers, loss in carcass weight was 8.5 kg on a 500 kg animal (Jones et al., 1992). Ease of handling and proper management are important. Supplemental chromium should benefit due to reduced cortisol production