A modelling study of once-bred heifer beef production

P.C.B. Keeling, S.T. Morris, D.I. Gray, W.J. Parker

Department of Animal Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1991, 51: 389-394

A case farm study of a once-bred heifer system on hill country using a spreadsheet simulation model was undertaken. Results of the feed budge and financial data of the once-bred system were compared with bull beef, 18 month heifer finishing and traditional breeding cow policies.

The once-bred heifer system generated a gross margin of $48.26/s.u. compared with $42.50/s.u. for a traditional breeding cow breeding system, $31.70/s.u. for the 20 month heifer finishing and $52.80/s.u. for a bull beef system. The once-bred heifer system produced 314 kg carcass/ha, the breeding system cow 197 kg carcass/ha, the 20 month heifer system 354 kg carcass/ha and the bull beef system 433 kg carcass/ha. The major factor affecting the profitability of the once- bred heifer system was schedule price. The best match of animal requirements and pasture growth for the once-bred heifer system was shown to occur for an October calving. This study suggests that sheep and beef farmers with traditional beef cattle policies could increase productivity by adopting a once-bred heifer beef production system.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Beef production; once-bred heifers; simulation mode; gross margin; yearling heifer mating

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Last Updated 25-01-1997