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EFFECTS OF LATE GESTATION SUPPLEMENTATION OF BEEF COWS ON COW AND CALF PERFORMANCE

Applied Research

Randy Mills
Pilot Rock

Abstract

A 2-yr study was designed to evaluate the influence of cow body condition score (BCS) and dried distillers grains on cow and calf productivity. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial: 2 BCS (4 or 6) and supplemented or not supplemented. Calf birth weight was greater with BCS 6 cows compared with BCS 4 (P=0.002) and greater for supplemented cows (P=0.05). In addition, weaning weight was greater for BCS 6 compared with BCS 4 (P=0.05) and calf weaning weight and ADG to weaning were greater for the offspring of supplemented compared with unsupplemented cows (P<0.02). We noted no differences in post-weaning calf performance or carcass characteristics (P>0.10). However, BCS 6 cows had approximately 10% more live calves at birth and at weaning (P<0.001) compared with BCS 4 cows. Also, pregnancy rate was 91% for BCS 6 compared with 79% for BCS 4 cows (P=0.005). Supplementation during late gestation resulted in an estimated net return of $7/cow if calves were sold at weaning compared with not supplementing. More importantly, because of additional weaned calves, the estimated net return for BCS 6 cows at weaning was $71/head more than BCS 4. Likewise, with retained ownership, BCS 6 cows yielded a net return of $130/head more than BCS 4 cows. This research demonstrates the importance of maintaining cows in good BCS (>5) at calving.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: R.R. Mills, D.W. Bohnert, L.A. Stalker, A. Nyman, S.J. Falck
  1. Mills, R. Extension Livestock Agent, Umatilla County Extension Service, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97801
  2. Bohnert, D. Associate Professor, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97720
  3. Stalker, L. Assistant Professor, West Central Research & Extension Center, University of Nebraska, Nebraska, 69101
  4. Nyman, A. Biological Science Researcher, Eastern Oregon Agriculutural Research Center, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97720
  5. Falck, S. Biological Science Technician, ARS-USDA, Oregon, 97720