Economic analysis and stochastic simulation of alternative beef calving and feeding systems in western Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Khakbazan ◽  
Richard Carew ◽  
Shannon L. Scott ◽  
Paul Chiang ◽  
Hushton C. Block ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Stochastic Simulation ◽  
Simulation Analysis ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Feeder Cattle ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Feeding Systems

Khakbazan, M., Carew, R., Scott, S. L., Chiang, P., Block, H. C., Robins, C., Durunna, O. N. and Huang, J. 2014. Economic analysis and stochastic simulation of alternative beef calving and feeding systems in western Canada. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 299–311. Biological and economic data from three field-experimental sites in Manitoba (Brandon Research Centre) and Saskatchewan (Western Beef Development Centre; Semi-Arid Prairie Agriculture Research Centre) were used to determine the economic and financial benefits of alternative beef calving and feeding systems. Stochastic budgets and Monte Carlo simulation techniques were used to evaluate the profitability and risk levels of four alternative livestock beef management systems: early-calving/rapid-gain post-weaning feeding (ER), late-calving/rapid-gain post-weaning feeding (LR), early-calving/slow-gain post-weaning feeding (ES), and late-calving/slow-gain post-weaning feeding (LS). Economic budgets were constructed to evaluate the viability of different phases of beef production including backgrounding, pasture, swath grazing and finishing. Statistical analysis considered operational costs (feed, yardage, implants, medicine, labor, marketing, and other costs), price variables (fed-steer, feeder cattle, and grid pricing premiums/discounts) and steer performance measures such as average daily gain (ADG). Results from the simulation analysis revealed that late-calving systems provided higher returns for livestock producers, while rapid-feeding systems were more preferable for producers who were more risk-averse.

scholarly journals Genome-wide association for heifer reproduction and calf performance traits in beef cattle

Genome ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everestus C. Akanno ◽  
Graham Plastow ◽  
Carolyn Fitzsimmons ◽  
Stephen P. Miller ◽  
Vern Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Snp Markers ◽  
Genome Wide Association ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
And Performance

The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers that associate with variation in beef heifer reproduction and performance of their calves. A genome-wide association study was performed by means of the generalized quasi-likelihood score (GQLS) method using heifer genotypes from the BovineSNP50 BeadChip and estimated breeding values for pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pregnancy rate (PR), calving difficulty (CD), age at first calving (AFC), calf birth weight (BWT), calf weaning weight (WWT), and calf pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG). Data consisted of 785 replacement heifers from three Canadian research herds, namely Brandon Research Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, University of Alberta Roy Berg Kinsella Ranch, Kinsella, Alberta, and Lacombe Research Centre, Lacombe, Alberta. After applying a false discovery rate correction at a 5% significance level, a total of 4, 3, 3, 9, 6, 2, and 1 SNPs were significantly associated with PBW, PR, CD, AFC, BWT, WWT, and ADG, respectively. These SNPs were located on chromosomes 1, 5–7, 9, 13–16, 19–21, 24, 25, and 27–29. Chromosomes 1, 5, and 24 had SNPs with pleiotropic effects. New significant SNPs that impact functional traits were detected, many of which have not been previously reported. The results of this study support quantitative genetic studies related to the inheritance of these traits, and provides new knowledge regarding beef cattle quantitative trait loci effects. The identification of these SNPs provides a starting point to identify genes affecting heifer reproduction traits and performance of their calves (BWT, WWT, and ADG). They also contribute to a better understanding of the biology underlying these traits and will be potentially useful in marker- and genome-assisted selection and management.

PSXIII-17 Supplementing organic-complexed or inorganic Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn to beef cows during gestation: post-weaning responses of offspring reared as replacement heifers or feeder cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 432-432
Author(s):  
Kelsey Harvey ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Bruna Rett ◽  
Osvaldo Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Female Progeny ◽  
Feeder Cattle ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Haptoglobin Concentration ◽  
Eden Prairie ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Beef cows and their progeny were used to evaluate the effects of supplementing organic-complexed or inorganic Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn during gestation: on offspring reared as replacement heifers or feeder cattle. Non-lactating, pregnant beef cows (n = 190) were ranked by parity, pregnancy type, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), at 117 ± 2.2 d of gestation (d 0) and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn (INR; n = 95) or 2) an organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn (AAC; Availa®4; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN; n = 95). From d 0 to calving, cows were maintained in a single pasture and individually offered treatments three times a week. Calves were weaned at 6 mo of age (d 367) and preconditioned for 45-d. Heifer puberty status was verified weekly (d 437 to d 619) based on plasma progesterone concentrations. Steer calves were shipped to a commercial feedlot on d 493, where they were managed as a single group until slaughter (d 724). Plasma cortisol concentration was greater (P = 0.05) in AAC calves at weaning but tended to be less (P = 0.10) on d 370 compared with INR calves. Mean plasma haptoglobin concentration was greater (P = 0.03) in INR vs. AAC calves during preconditioning, and no treatment effects were noted (P = 0.76) for preconditioning average daily gain (ADG). Puberty attainment was hastened in AAC heifers during the experiment (treatment × day; P < 0.01), despite similar (P = 0.39) ADG between treatments from d 412 to 620. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.24) for steer ADG from d 412 until slaughter, nor for carcass quality traits. Therefore, supplementing Co, Cu, Zn, and Mn as organic complexed instead of sulfate sources to beef cows during the last 5 mo of gestation did not improve performance of steer progeny until slaughter, but hastened puberty attainment in female progeny reared as replacement heifers.

283 Precision versus Group Supplementation at Two Levels on Growth and Development of Replacement Heifers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 144-145
Author(s):  
Susan K Duckett ◽  
Jacob Cathcart ◽  
Austin Cathcart ◽  
Zach Dantzler ◽  
Hunter Dove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Versus Group ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Group Feeding ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Angus Heifers ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Supplement Intake ◽  
Feeding Systems

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate use of the Super SmartFeeder (SSF; C-Lock, Inc.) for individual versus group supplementation of heifers grazing stockpiled, novel tall fescue. In experiment 1, Angus heifers (n = 64; 267 + 31.7 kg) had access to the SSF and were allowed 3.6 kg/d of grower supplement. Individual intake was recorded daily and analyzed to determine adoption. Twenty-four percent of the heifers did not adopt to individual SSF supplementation (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, heifers (n = 64; BW= 275 + 31.3 kg) were allotted, based on adoption to SSF, to supplementation system of group feeding (n = 2 reps/level; GRP) or SSF precision feeding (n =16/level; PRE) at two levels (0.5% or 1% of BW) for 127-d in a 2 x 2 factorial. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure. The interaction between supplementation level and feeding system tended to be significant (P = 0.10) for overall ADG. Average daily gain was greater for 1% BW than 0.5% BW (0.81 vs. 0.47 kg/d) for PRE but did not differ for GRP (0.69 kg/d). Daily supplement dry matter intake differed (P < 0.05) by supplementation level and total BW gain was greater (P < 0.05) by 24.3 kg for 1% versus 0.5% supplementation level. Ultrasound ribeye area and fat thickness measures were greater (P < 0.05) for 1% BW supplement compared to 0.5% BW at the end of the 127d study. When PRE was analyzed independently, heifer BW differed (P < 0.05) on d 91, 117 and 127 between supplement levels. The correlation between individual heifer daily supplement intake and overall ADG for PRE was 0.68 (P < 0.0001). The use of technology to precisely control intake in a grazing system created greater divergence in growth by supplementation level compared to group feeding systems.

Comparison of fatty acids in beef tissues from conventional, organic and natural feeding systems in western Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler D. Turner ◽  
Jessica Jensen ◽  
Jessica L. Pilfold ◽  
Dipesh Prema ◽  
Kingsley K. Donkor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Niche Market ◽  
Ratio Production ◽  
High Forage ◽  
Biohydrogenation Intermediates ◽  
Feeding Systems

Turner, T. D., Jensen, J., Pilfold, J. L., Prema, D., Donkor, K. K., Cinel, B., Thompson, D. J., Dugan, M. E. R. and Church, J. S. 2015. Comparison of fatty acids in beef tissues from conventional, organic and natural feeding systems in western Canada. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 49–58. The effect of production system on intramuscular and associated trim fatty acid (FA) profiles of retail ribeye steaks from conventional and niche market organic and natural (grain- or grass-fed) beef were compared. Meat from organic grain- and grass-fed systems was leaner, containing greater proportions of polyunsaturated FA, i.e., 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3, 22:6n-3. Correspondingly, the n-6/n-3 ratios of organic grain- and grass-fed systems were 3:1, while conventional and natural grain systems had ratios of 8:1. High forage-to-grain ratio production systems increased proportions of desirable biohydrogenation intermediates (BI), including t11-18:1 and c9,t11-18:2, whereas conventional and natural grain systems elevated t10-18:1. Trim fat was similarly affected by production system, and was a relatively richer source of BI. Overall, proportions of desirable FAs, including n-3 and BI, were greater for organic grain- and grass-fed systems, emphasizing the importance of a high forage-to-grain ratio to enhance the healthfulness of beef, whereas conventional and natural grain-fed systems were largely equivalent.

scholarly journals Quasi-cellular systems: stochastic simulation analysis at nanoscale range

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (S7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Calviello ◽  
Pasquale Stano ◽  
Fabio Mavelli ◽  
Pier Luigi Luisi ◽  
Roberto Marangoni
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Simulation ◽  
Simulation Analysis ◽  
Cellular Systems ◽  
Nanoscale Range

Evaluation of the National Research Council (NRC) nutrient requirements for beef cattle: Predicting feedlot performance

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 787-792
Author(s):  
E. K. Okine ◽  
D. H. McCartney ◽  
J. B. Basarab
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Research Council ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
National Research Council ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Feeder Cattle

The accuracy of predicted CowBytes® versus actual dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) of 407 Hereford × Angus and Charolais × Maine Anjou (445.6 ± 36 kg) feeder cattle using digestable enery acid detergent fiber (DE) estimated from the (ADF) content [Laboratory analysis method (LAB)] and from values determined in vivo (INVIVO method) was examined. The diet consisted of a 73.3% concentrate diet, 22.0% barley silage, 1.6% molasses, and 3.1% feedlot supplement fed ad libitum (as-fed basis). The calculated DE values of the feed were used to predict the metabolizable energy (ME), net energy of maintenance (NEm), and net energy of gain (NEg) of the diet. These energy values were then used in CowBytes® to predict dry matter intake (DMI), ADG, and days on feed (DOF) necessary to meet targeted quality grade of AA and weights of 522 and 568 kg for the heifers and steers, respectively. There was no effect of gender and prediction method interaction (P > 0.10) on any of the variables measured. There were no (P > 0.05) differences in predicted DMI by either the INVIVO or LAB method but both methods underestimated DMI actually consumed by the cattle by 6.8 and 4.9% (P = 0.007), respectively. Indeed, regression values from these predictive methods and actual DMI were (P < 0.05) different from the one-to-one relationship expected by definition. In spite of the higher actual DMI, the actual ADG of the cattle was 14 and 11% (P = 0.0004) lower than was predicted by either the INVIVO or LAB methods. A possible reason for the lower ADG could be an overestimation of DE of the diet. Thus, if available, users of CowBytes® should use actual DMI from their experience in ration formulation. In addition, the effects of environmental temperature on digestibility of diets should be taken into consideration when using the DE of the diet as determined from in vivo digestibility trials or calculated from chemical analyses in determining the DMI of feedlot cattle. Key words: Beef cattle, performance, CowBytes®, National Research Council

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document