Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
The Use of an Automated System GreenFeed to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals
Published on: September 7, 2015
Technologies that affect the weaning rate in beef cattle production systems
Matheus Dhein Dill1,2, Gabriel Ribas Pereira3, João Batista Gonçalves Costa3
1Center for Studies and Research in Agribusiness - CEPAN. Núcleo de Estudos em Sistemas de Produção de Bovinos de Corte e Cadeia Produtiva - NESPRO, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Ave. Bento Gonçalves 7712, 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. matheusdill@hotmail.com.
Farmers using more technologies in cow-calf production systems achieve higher weaning rates. Adopting improved pasture, artificial insemination, and better nutrition can boost herd efficiency for all farmers.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Economics
Background:
- Cow-calf production systems are crucial for beef supply chains.
- Optimizing weaning rates is essential for economic viability in cattle farming.
- Technology adoption varies significantly among producers, impacting herd performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between technology adoption and weaning rates in Brazilian cow-calf operations.
- To identify specific technologies associated with higher reproductive performance.
- To categorize farmers based on their technology adoption and weaning success.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 73 farmers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, regarding 48 reproductive performance technologies.
- Employed multivariate analysis with a non-hierarchical cluster method to group farmers.
- Set the significance level at P < 0.05.
Main Results:
- Three farmer clusters emerged: low (LWR, 59% weaning rate), intermediate (IWR, 72%), and high (HWR, 83%).
- IWR and HWR groups utilized improved pastures, fixed-time artificial insemination, birth weight selection, and proteinated salt more than LWR.
- HWR farmers used stocking rate control, while IWR farmers employed ultrasound more than LWR.
Conclusions:
- Higher technology adoption in cow-calf farms correlates with increased weaning rates.
- Nutritional and reproductive technologies are key drivers of improved herd performance.
- Disseminating successful technologies can enhance efficiency for less productive farmers.
