Animal Science, Department of

 

Date of this Version

10-1991

Citation

MP58. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Comments

Used by permission.

Abstract

Economic efficiency of beef production to weaning and to slaughter was estimated in three groups, different in milk available (low, medium, and high) to the calves but the same in growth potential. Efficiency was the ratio of income to expenses. Income was derived from cull cows and calves at weaning or carcasses of calves fed to slaughter. Feed and non-feed expenses for the cowherd and for calves to weaning or to slaughter were included. Efficiencies were estimated assuming observed reproductive rates and energy requirements for maintenance, as well as for equal reproductive rates and equal requirements for maintenance in the medium and high groups. Across the two scenarios, the low group was always the most economically efficient, especially when evaluated at calf slaughter. Economic efficiency comparisons agreed closely with biological efficiency (output mass: input feed energy) comparisons of the three cattle groups.

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