Management Production Systems and Timing Strategies for Cull Cows

Abstract

Randomized complete block design with repeated measures was used to determine management production systems and timing strategies of cull cows, by comparing average daily gain, net returns, at feed cost per gain of grass and dry lot over 42, 78, 111, 134, and 164 days. Two management systems and five timing alternatives for cull cows were compared. Data were measured at intervals for cull cows on grass vs. in dry lot from October 2007 to April 2008. Cows in both treatments gained weight initially (42 days) but average daily gain declined following the first 42 days and cost of gain generally increased for longer feeding periods (78, 111, 134, and 164 days). Overall, net returns for grass-fed cows exceeded those for dry lot cows for each period. Regression results revealed average daily gain positively affected net returns while beginning weight and feed cost per gain were inversely related to net returns. Sensitivity analysis for grass fed cows indicated that net returns would be positive even at high feeding costs as long as prices adjusted to seasonal patterns. Net returns would be more positive when market prices were seasonally high and feed costs were low. Sensitivity analysis for dry lot showed that net returns would be positive when market price was unseasonally high, but net returns would be negative for nearly all others combinations of prices and feed costs.