Improving Beef Cattle Reproductive Rates Through Management Part 1 Dr. Tom R. Troxel Professor 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 bull x 100
Average Net Calf Crop Percentage and Standard Deviation (SD) 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
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