Improving Beef Cattle Reproductive Rates Through Management

Part 1

Dr. Tom R. TroxelProfessor 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

Number of cows exposed to a bullx 100

Average Net Calf Crop Percentage and Standard Deviation (SD)

Year Percent SD

1 86% 10.6

2 87% 10.1

3 90% 9.8

4 88% 9.0

5 90% 7.0

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

Thank you