Evaluation of forage-based weaning systems in spring-born cross-bred beef calves ()
ABSTRACT
Preconditioned
calves have greater marketvalue per unit weight than normal-weaned calves. Development of a low cost forage-based preconditioning system allows producers
to add value to their calf-crop. This study evaluated calf performance in three
forage-based weaning systems; early-weaned calves were backgrounded in
legume/grass forage plots and supplemented with
commercial preconditioning feed (Treatment 1) or an on-farm corn-mix
(Treatment 2). Control (Treatment 3) calves suckled for an additional 45 days.
Supplements provided2.17 kgTDN/calf/ day. Weights were collected on days -30, 0 and 45 with respect to
early weaning, from135 inyear 1 and 150 calves in each of the two subsequent years. Effects of
treatment, age of dam, sex of calf and their interactions on calf weight gain
were analyzed by analysis of covariance using GLM procedures of SAS. Marginal
effects of treatment and feed cost were used to evaluate economic feasibility.
Sensitivity analyses were evaluated for anticipated market fluctuations in feed
costs and calf premiums. Data are reported as least squares means. Calf weight
gains differed (P < 0.001) among treatments and averaged 1.16, 1.03 and1.04 kg/calf/day for commercial supplement,
corn-mix and controls, respectively. Calves from 2-year-old cows gained less (P
< 0.001) weight compared to those from cows 3 - 4 and ≥5 years of age (44.8,
48.9 and51.5 kg, respectively).
Steers calves gained more (P < 0.001) weight compared to heifer
calves (51.2 vs.45.7 kg,
respectively). Net returns for corn mix were greater than those for commercial
feed ($1.48 vs. $1.35/kg weight gain, respectively). Sensitivity analyses
indicated that selection of preconditioning treatment to a large degree was
less sensitive to significant changes in market conditions due to the large gap
in marginal costs between the two treatments. In conclusion, forage-based
weaning systems can be utilized to precondition calves providing an economical
means for calf weight gain and profit potential as long as feed costs are held
within reasonable limits.
Share and Cite:
Odhiambo, J. , Dailey, R. , Helmondollar, R. , Pritchard, J. and Osborne, P. (2013) Evaluation of forage-based weaning systems in spring-born cross-bred beef calves.
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
3, 99-104. doi:
10.4236/ojas.2013.32015.
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