The type of cattle feeding system significantly influences the final slaughter weight, degree of carcass fatness vs. muscle, and beef quality. Three basic systems, based on the age at which cattle are finished and marketed, include fattening calves, young cattle and bulls, and adult cattle (mainly cull cows). The level of daily energy intake, or plane of nutrition, affects the intensity of the fattening phase, with higher nutrient density diets yielding higher daily gains and increased gain efficiency. Longer finishing periods result in greater fat deposition and higher eating quality. Feeding strategies are classified as intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. Housing options for finishing cattle include confinement, pasture, or a combined system. The choice of system depends on local resources and cattle genetics, with significant breed differences in maturity age, feed efficiency, weight gain rate, and market weight.