Effect of value-added health protocols within region on the sale price of beef calf lots sold through summer video auctions from 2010 through 2018

Abstract The objective was to quantify effects of value-added health protocols within region on sale price of beef calf lots sold through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced price. Descriptive characteristics of lots were obtained from a livestock video auction service in an electronic format. Data were available on 43,242 lots sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2018. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified were used to develop a multiple regression model that evaluated effects of independent factors on sale price using a backwards selection procedure. A value of P < 0.05 was used to maintain a factor in the final model. A lot was categorized into one of five health programs: 1) VAC 34 or 34+, 2) VAC 45 or 45+, 3) Weaned: viral vaccinated, 4) Non-weaned: viral vaccinated, and 5) VAC 24. Calf lots originated from one of five U.S. regions: West Coast, Rocky Mountain/North Central, South Central, Southeast, and Northeast (excluded due to few lots). In the West Coast, lots qualifying for VAC 45 or 45+ and Weaned: viral vaccinated sold for similar (P = 1.00) prices ($168.71 and $168.80/45.36 kg BW, respectively), but at prices greater (P < .0001) than calves administered all other health protocols within that region. Within the Southeast region, lots qualifying for VAC 45 or 45+ and Weaned: viral vaccinated sold for similar (P = .16) prices ($168.37 and $169.28/45.36 kg BW, respectively), and again at prices greater (P < .0001) than calves in all other health programs. In both the North Central and South Central regions, lots meeting the requirements for VAC 45 or 45+ sold for the greatest (P < 0.05) price ($175.25 and $171.80/45.36 kg BW, respectively). Differences in sale price of calves qualifying for various health protocols suggests the value of these programs perceived by buyers varies by region.