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Simulating Beef Cattle Herd Productivity with Varying Cow Liveweight and Fixed Feed Supply

Author

Listed:
  • Lydia J. Farrell

    (Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, H65 R718 Co. Galway, Ireland)

  • Stephen T. Morris

    (School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand)

  • Paul R. Kenyon

    (School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand)

  • Peter R. Tozer

    (School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand)

Abstract

The liveweight of New Zealand beef cows has increased in recent decades due to selection for higher growth rates. Published data suggest that the efficiency of beef cow production decreases with increasing cow liveweight. Changes in beef herd size, feed demand, production, and cash operating surplus (COS) were simulated with average mature cow liveweight varied to 450, 500, 550, and 600 kg. With total annual beef feed demand fixed at the same level, in all scenarios cow numbers and numbers of weaned calves decreased with increasing cow liveweight. When the model was run with consistent efficiency of calf production across the mature cow liveweights (scenario A), heavier cows were more profitable. However, using published efficiency data (scenarios B and C), herds of heavier cows were less profitable. The likely most realistic scenario for New Zealand hill country farms (scenario B) had COS decrease from New Zealand Dollars (NZD) 456/ha with a herd of 450 kg cows to NZD 424/ha with 600 kg cows. Reductions in COS were relatively small, which may not deter farmers from breeding heavier cows for higher calf growth rates. However, the results of this analysis combined with indirect potential economic impacts suggest that the heaviest cows may not be optimal for New Zealand hill country conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lydia J. Farrell & Stephen T. Morris & Paul R. Kenyon & Peter R. Tozer, 2021. "Simulating Beef Cattle Herd Productivity with Varying Cow Liveweight and Fixed Feed Supply," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:11:y:2021:i:1:p:35-:d:475878
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. White, T.A. & Snow, V.O. & King, W.McG., 2010. "Intensification of New Zealand beef farming systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 103(1), pages 21-35, January.
    2. Lydia J. Farrell & Paul R. Kenyon & Stephen T. Morris & Peter R. Tozer, 2020. "The Impact of Hogget and Mature Flock Reproductive Success on Sheep Farm Productivity," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-15, November.
    3. Farrell, L.J. & Tozer, P.R. & Kenyon, P.R. & Ramilan, T. & Cranston, L.M., 2019. "The effect of ewe wastage in New Zealand sheep and beef farms on flock productivity and farm profitability," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 125-132.
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    Cited by:

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