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Suckler cows – the cost of extended calving patterns

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One calf per cow per year is the old maxim used to describe an ideal suckler cow herd – but what costs can be associated to a suckler herd hitting the one calf target but over an extended calving pattern?

Analysing data from a large number of slaughter houses and abattoirs over the last two years it has been possible to identify some of the implications of a poor calving pattern in suckler cow herds.

Source: Innovis

Spring and autumn calving patterns have been shown on average to result in a higher average deadweight, with up to a 10kg difference in carcase deadweight between March and July born calves. This difference in the month of birth also had an effect on the number of days to slaughter. On average, February and March born suckler calves finished in approximately 688 days whilst July born calves took 30 days longer to finish.

The reduction in deadweight combined with a longer rearing period will have a negative impact in any rearer’s balance sheet. A 10kg loss in deadweight carcase weight will cost over £25 per head whilst the additional cost of feeding an animal for a further 30 days at £1.50 per day will cost an additional £45. Both of these factors combined could result in a production loss of over £70 per head.

But there are other costs that also need to be taken into account. Late born suckler calves are also more likely to be weaned off earlier to make winter housing and management easier, this in turn will affect the performance of the animal. Perhaps the biggest cost to keep in mind is the lost potential (both genetic and financial) of these late born calves; especially replacement heifers which are unlikely to be ready to meet the bull in 2 years time and will therefore need housing and feeding for another winter before you can see any return on investment.

How do we minimise these losses?

Tightening the calving pattern is the first step to take; this will have an immediate impact and will also make management for all the livestock easier.

Any fertility issues need to be corrected before any improvements in the calving pattern will take place. To do this, it is essential to ensure that both the cow and the bull are in the right body condition score, ensure both are fertile, are on a rising plain of nutrition and are receiving mineral and trace element supplementation to balance any deficiencies in the forage fed.

Omega 3 oils and antioxidants

Spermatozoa are widely regarded as one of the most omega 3 dense cells in an animal’s body, so adequate omega 3 supplementation is essential to help boost sperm quantity and quality. These same omega 3 oils can also benefit the fertilised egg helping to improve implantation rates and the survivability of the embryo.

Both the sperm and the egg are extremely susceptible to damage by oxidants that are naturally produced by the body. Vitamin E and quality selenium sources are well documented as very effective antioxidants that help to protect these delicate cells from damage.

Mineral buckets and feed blocks can provide convenient and effective methods of ensuring an animal has access to vitamin and mineral supplementation whilst grazing; helping to boost antioxidants whilst also supplementing the animal’s vitamin and trace element requirements.

Key focus

Benefit

Sel-Plex Selenium

Enhanced selenium absorption

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Promotes fertility status

Vitamin E

Enhanced meat quality and immunity status

 Find out more about mineral buckets, feed buckets, feed blocks, liquid feeds and powdered minerals now.

 


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