Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing crop losses during slab and ingot rolling concerns the formation of a slab ingot having a specially configured or shaped butt end and optionally a head end as well. A special shape is formed by machining, forging or preferably by casting. The special shape at the butt end is imparted during casting by a specially shaped bottom block or starter block. The special shape of the bottom block is imparted to the cast ingot butt end. The specially shaped butt end of a slab shaped ingot is generally rectangular in shape and has longitudinally outwardly extending, enlarged portions, which slope downwardly toward a depressed central valley region. The lateral sides of the enlarged end portions and the depressed valley region carry transversely extending, tapered or curved edges. A similar shape may be imparted to the head end of the ingot at the conclusion of a casting run through the use of a specially shaped hot top mold or by way of machining or forging the cast head end.