savings sussed by science
Suckler cow
savings sussed by science
Improvements in technical
efficiency are possible on
one Shropshire suckler unit.
Hannah Velten reports
SAVINGS of 6-8p/kg of weaned calf a cow can be made on one Shropshire suckler unit, says Duncan Pullar, MLC beef scientist.
Using research set out in Dr Pullars technical bulletin, Making the Most of your Suckler Cows, the 120-head herd at the Povall familys Corfton Farm, Craven Arms, was assessed to see whether efficiency could be improved.
"A single figure that captures all technical elements of suckler beef production is the cost to produce a kg of weaned calf/cow served. This figure takes account of fertility, calf losses, feeding costs and growth potential to weaning," he said.
Reducing the calving period from 15 to 12 weeks can increase average sale weight by 10kg and sale age by nine days, says Dr Pullar. Further benefits are that husbandry tasks and feeding regimes are simpler because batches of calves are of a similar age.
Currently, Limousin bulls are left running with the Hereford x Simmental cows for 15-16 weeks at Corfton Farm but a 12 week calving period was used until BSE hit, says Stephen Povall, who farms in partnership with his mother and father, Kay and David, and brother, Brian.
"The impact of BSE meant over 30 month cows were not worth anything, so if they returned at 12 weeks they were left to run with the bulls longer but most still failed to get in-calf."
Variable costs are also important, especially feed and forage costs, says Dr Pullar. The Corfton unit keeps feed costs at a minimum by using straw from 174ha (430 acres) of home grown wheat as forage. In addition, 2kg/cow a day of home-mixed wheat, barley and beans is fed six to eight weeks before and after calving.
Analysis shows this mix provides 14% crude protein and a suckler cow lick is available ad-lib. However, Dr Pullar is concerned that cows may not be getting enough protein from this ration and advises watching out for under-performing animals.
Currently, an ad-lib creep feed of home-mixed rolled barley and soya is offered to calves 12 weeks before weaning. However, soya is unnecessary until at least a month before weaning as calves get enough protein for milk and grass, says Dr Pullar. "A simple creep of mineralised rolled barley to provide energy would be a cost efficient alternative."
Further costs could be saved by using a terminal sire of high Beef Value, which will produce high yields of saleable meat efficiently. "Calves can be up to 10kg heavier at weaning and it is worth buying recorded bulls," he says.
At present Mr Povall buys his Limousin bulls from a local source, well-know for quality stock. "We have always bought on judgement and have not thought to ask whether bulls are recorded or not. But values can be used to take the risk element out of buying," he says. Dr Pullar suggests talking to local Signet advisors to find recorded bulls in the area.
The Povall family are keen to take any advice which will help their unit move forward. "Short and simply-worded advice in the leaflet focuses your attention on suckler performance and ways in which you can tweak different aspects of management to achieve greater efficiency," says Mr Povall.
• Copies of Making the Most of Your Suckler Cows are available from MLCs Louise Fonseca (01908 844271).
CUTTING COSTS
* Reduced calving period.
* Wasted feed?
* High Beef Value bulls.
The cost of producing 1kg of weaned calf a cow served is the real measure of efficiency, says Duncan Pullar (inset).
CUTTING COSTS
• Reduced calving period.
• Wasted feed?
• High Beef Value bulls.
Management changes
Value p/kg
weaned calf/
cow served
Average variable
costs 52
Increase calf
survival to 95% -3
Reduce calving
period 15-12 wks -2
Reduce feed
costs by 10% -5
Use a terminal sire
of high BV -2
Increase cow
longevity -4
Possible
production cost 36