This article will review the relationship of high-growth, high mature-weight cows to calf weaning weights and profit potential for commercial cow-calf operations. We take a look at this relationship relative to the 2025 calf market.
The U.S. cow herd has been steadily increasing in mature weight for several decades. This is largely the result of selection pressure applied to increasing weaning and yearling weights. Because of the positive genetic correlations between weights taken at all stages of life, mature weight has increased even though that has not been the objective. Mature cow size can be effectively addressed (reduced) through well-planned breeding programs. Excessive mature weight of beef cows has several downsides. The focus of this article is its impact on profitability in commercial cow-calf operations.
Forage budgeting based on mature cow size indicates that for each 100 head of 1,000-pound cows you could run in your cow-calf operation, the same forage base (and feed input cost) would sustain 71 head of 1,400-lb. cows. As well, for each 100-lb. increase in mature weight, cows average approximately 10 more pounds of calf weaning weight produced.
As shown in the graph, research at Michigan State University indicates heavier-weight cows (at a constant body condition score), wean a lower percentage of their body weight.
The math
For the sake of this article, some assumptions are necessary. These are:
• The 1,000-lb. cows will wean calves weighing 450 lbs.
• The 1,400-lb. cows will wean calves weighing 500 lbs.
• The most recent USDA market reports indicate a value of $4.60/lb. for calf weaning weights at 450 lbs., and a value of $4.35/lb. for 500-lb. calves (assuming a 50:50 steer to heifer mix).
• A 90% calf crop weaned for both groups of cows.
Therefore, the 100 head of 1,000-lb. cows will wean 40,500 lbs. of calf pay weight with a total value of $186,300. (100 cows x 90% x 450 lbs. x $4.60/lb.)
The 71 head of 1,400-lb. cows will wean 64 calves weighing 500 lbs. for a total of 32,000 lbs. of calf pay weight with a total value of $139,200. (71 cows x 90% rounded up to 64 calves x 500 lbs. x $4.35/lb.)
Bottomline
The math tells us the same forage base and feed cost could result in $47,100 more revenue generated annually. Running a greater number of more moderate-sized cows on the same forage base creates more revenue and profit potential.
Growth traits should be included in your selection program relative to mature weight. EPDs for all growth traits are available and can be used in bull selection as tools to accomplish this.
Since the 1980s, cattle breeders have done an excellent job of using EPDs to improve growth at weaning, yearling and finishing weights relative to keeping birth weights low and maintaining calving ease. Scientific literature indicates growth traits (Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Finished Weight, Carcass Weight and Mature Size) are all moderate-to-high in heritability. If, and when, selection pressure is applied to mature weight and it is included in your selection goals, it will respond and can be changed for the better. — Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension beef cattle breeding specialist
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