Effects of Production System on Cow and Calf Performance

Authors

Shelby E. Gardine, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jason M. Warner, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
F. Henry Hilscher, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Karla H. Jenkins, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2018

Citation

2018 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. University of Nebraska Extension MP105. Lincoln, NE.

Comments

© 2017 The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Limited traditional forage resources have prompted interest for alternative cow-calf production systems. This study evaluated the effects of two winter cow-calf production systems (cornstalk grazing and dry-lot feeding) on cow-calf performance in a summer-calving, intensively managed cowherd at two locations. Grazing cow-calf pairs on cornstalks resulted in similar or lower ending BW of cows and lower ADG of calves when compared to cow-calf pairs wintered in the dry-lot. A partial budget of incorporating winter cornstalk grazing into an intensive production system suggests that cows wintered on cornstalks may be $137 more profitable compared to cows wintered in the dry-lot.