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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.
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Improving Beef Cattle Reproductive Rates Through ManagementPart 1 Dr. Tom R. Troxel Professor and Associate Department Head – Animal Science
Reproduction is the Single Most Important Factor in Beef Production
Net Calf Crop Number of calves weaned x 100 Number of cows exposed to a bull
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