improving beef cattle reproductive rates through management part 1 dr. tom r. troxel professor and...
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Improving Beef Cattle Reproductive Rates Through Management
Part 1
Dr. Tom R. TroxelProfessor and Associate Department
Head – Animal Science
Reproduction is the Single Most Important Factor in Beef Production
What is Reproductive Efficiency?
Net Calf Crop
Number of calves weaned
Number of cows exposed to a bullx 100
Average Net Calf Crop Percentage and Standard Deviation (SD)
Year Percent SD
1 86% 10.6
2 87% 10.1
3 90% 9.8
4 88% 9.0
5 90% 7.0
Arkansas Beef Improvement Data
Advantages of a short calving season
• Uniform calves• Concentrates labor • Increases efficiency• Improves overall management– herd health, nutrition, culling, etc.
• Improve weaning weights
Disadvantages of a short calving season
• Bull management• Money management
ABIP – Breeding and Calving Season
• Objectives
– Reduce the length of the calving season (< 90 d)
– Document the production and economic impact
• 6 cow-calf herds
Results
• 4 yr to achieve desired calving season
• Cows calving in the desired months:– Benchmark year: 46%
– Final year: 92%
• Length of the calving season:– Benchmark year: 273 days
– Final year: 85 days
Results
• Cow calving percentages:– Benchmark year: 89%– Final year: 87%
• Herd Breakeven (decreased 30%): – Benchmark year: $0.62/lb– Final year: $0.44/lb
Results
• Specific cost/AU (decreased 40%): – Benchmark year: $210/AU– Final year: $126/AU
• Income over specific cost/AU (improved 100%): – Benchmark year: $95/AU– Final year: $190/AU
Final Remarks• A few producers adjusted their time of calving• Some producers want to reduce the calving season even more (75 d)• Reducing the calving season demonstration can be very successful
Estrous Synchronization/AI Tips
► Days postpartum (cyclic vs. anestrous)► Work cattle calmly and quietly► Dogs► Handle all animal health products according to labeled
directions► Handle semen correctly
Estrous Synchronization/AI Tips
► Good working facilities
Estrous Synchronization/AI Results
► 84% of AI cattle calved the first 21 days of the calving season vs. 68%►AI conception rates ranged from 50% (with problem cows – yr 1) to 63% in yr 2►60% AI conception rates
Arkansas Beef Improvement Program
Thank you
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