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Feed intake, weaning weight and net returns comparisons for four breeding systems
S L Armstrong1, J W Wilton, L R Schaeffer
1Dept. of Anim. and Poult. Sci., University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Animal Science
|July 1, 1990
Summary
The large rotational beef breeding system demonstrated superior performance in feed efficiency and weaning weight, leading to maximized net returns in beef cattle production. This system offers significant advantages for optimizing profitability.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Breeding Systems
- Beef Cattle Production
Background:
- Evaluating breeding systems is crucial for optimizing beef cattle production efficiency.
- Understanding feed intake and weaning weight variations across different genetic backgrounds is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate feed intake, weaning weight, and genetic contributions in four distinct beef cattle breeding systems.
- To determine the breeding system that maximizes net returns under varying production constraints.
Main Methods:
- Data from 773 cow-calf pairs (1979-1986) at Elora Beef Research Centre were analyzed.
- Feed intake, weaning weight, and direct/maternal genetic effects were quantified for Hereford (HE), small rotational (SR), large rotational (LR), and Angus-sired large rotational (AL) systems.
- A linear programming model optimized net returns using derived equations for feed intake and weaning weight.
Main Results:
- Large rotational (LR) dams exhibited the highest feed intake.
- Hereford (HE) calves consumed the most creep feed.
- The LR system achieved the highest weaning weights and greatest direct and maternal contributions, followed by AL, SR, and HE.
- LR generally yielded the highest net returns, with SR and AL/HE performance varying based on resource constraints.
Conclusions:
- The large rotational (LR) breeding system is most effective for enhancing weaning weight and maximizing net returns in beef production.
- Breeding system selection should consider specific resource limitations, such as feed availability and herd size.
- Optimizing breeding strategies is key to improving economic outcomes in the beef industry.