1
Q
cow/calf operations
A
- cows to be sold
- producing calves for feedlot operations
- is driven by reproductive performance (evaluated through calf production to weaning)
2
Q
feedlot operations
A
they buy calves and raise them through to market weight
3
Q
what are the 2 types of cow/calf operations?
A
- registered breeders/ purebred breeders
- commercial breeding
4
Q
economics of being a farmer (5)
A
- net return tends to be low
- income is seasonal
- production units tend to be small
- economics limit expansion in an area where high capital investment is needed
- year-round attention
5
Q
which cows need more time to recover after calving to recover?
A
young and old cows
6
Q
what are some production goals
A
- 90% of cows that are bred will wean a calf
- 5% or less cows are open
- calf loss is 4% or less
- 600lb (273kg) weaning of steers at 7 months
- 550lb (250kg) weaning weight of heifers at 7 months
- Long productive life (10 calves/cow)
- planned breeding program
7
Q
BHIP
A
- beef herd improvement program
- is a performance evaluation program available to all Ontario beef producers
- can: improve genetically important traits
- identify superior cows and bulls
- select replacement heifers
- cull poor producing animals
- make management improvements
- provide performance information to buyers
8
Q
what are the 4 factors that most influence profit in the cow/calf industry are:
A
- calf weaning weight
- percentage of cows weaning calves
- annual cost to maintain the cattle
- price received for the calves
