Description
Dry matter intake of beef cows is based on a percentage of body weight, so as mature cow size increases, intake increases. Feed efficiency, or the amount of feed required to produce gain or maintain production, has a direct impact to the producer. That is, as mature cow weight increases, yearly maintenance costs increases due to higher feed costs. However, variation in feed efficiency exists within population. Some large cows consume the same or less dry matter as a smaller cow, but produce a larger calf. Conversly, some smaller cows consume the same or more as a large cow but produce a smaller calf. Cows identified to have improved feed efficiency should have an economic advantage to producers, primarily due to improvements in stocking rates. To determine this value, we utilized data reflecting individual animal measures of cow body weight, feed intake and calf weaning weights from a trial using multiparous Angus mature cows ranging in initial weight from 513 kg to 731 kg. An economic benefit-cost model was used to determine net returns of feed efficiency for six cow-calf production systems reflecting combinations of three levels of intake efficiencies and two forage species. Production systems grazing either bermudagrass or native prairie grass pastures with 50 and 75 percent improvements in dry matter intake realized 17 and 28 percent higher stocking rates (hd ha-1) relative to conventional systems with an average mix of dry matter intake. Due to higher stocking rates, costs associated with pasture maintenance, feed, healthcare, breeding and operating interest were greater for the more efficient systems. However, the additional revenue from marketing additional kilograms of weaned calves was greater than the increase in costs. Net returns for improved herd feed efficiency ranged from $32-195 ha-1. Selection for feed efficiency in beef cows has positive net returns to producers.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Economic Value of Improving Feed Efficiency of Beef Cows on Pasture
Dry matter intake of beef cows is based on a percentage of body weight, so as mature cow size increases, intake increases. Feed efficiency, or the amount of feed required to produce gain or maintain production, has a direct impact to the producer. That is, as mature cow weight increases, yearly maintenance costs increases due to higher feed costs. However, variation in feed efficiency exists within population. Some large cows consume the same or less dry matter as a smaller cow, but produce a larger calf. Conversly, some smaller cows consume the same or more as a large cow but produce a smaller calf. Cows identified to have improved feed efficiency should have an economic advantage to producers, primarily due to improvements in stocking rates. To determine this value, we utilized data reflecting individual animal measures of cow body weight, feed intake and calf weaning weights from a trial using multiparous Angus mature cows ranging in initial weight from 513 kg to 731 kg. An economic benefit-cost model was used to determine net returns of feed efficiency for six cow-calf production systems reflecting combinations of three levels of intake efficiencies and two forage species. Production systems grazing either bermudagrass or native prairie grass pastures with 50 and 75 percent improvements in dry matter intake realized 17 and 28 percent higher stocking rates (hd ha-1) relative to conventional systems with an average mix of dry matter intake. Due to higher stocking rates, costs associated with pasture maintenance, feed, healthcare, breeding and operating interest were greater for the more efficient systems. However, the additional revenue from marketing additional kilograms of weaned calves was greater than the increase in costs. Net returns for improved herd feed efficiency ranged from $32-195 ha-1. Selection for feed efficiency in beef cows has positive net returns to producers.
