Impact of Increasing Level of Milk Production on Cow-Calf Performance in Nebraska Sandhills

Authors

Selby L. Boerman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Jacki A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Kathryn J. Hanford, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Mitchell B. Stephenson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
J. Travis Mulliniks, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Date of this Version

2024

Citation

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

In a 2-yr study, data were collected on 118 crossbred cow-calf pairs from March and May-calving herds. On approximately 30, 60, 90, 120, and 210 d postpartum, individual cow 24-h bilk yield was estimated through weigh-suckle weigh techniques. Cow body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were collected weekly through breeding. Calf BW was recorded at each milking. Individual cow milk area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated and data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Results from this study illustrate that increasing total milk produced throughout the lactation period had minimal influence on the cow production parameters assessed in the Nebraska Sandhills forage environment. However, the lack of differences found in this study may be due to years of selecting for low milk production genetics and the cowherd may not represent the US average for milk production.