Economic analyses of cow-calf operations show a strong relationship between profitability and percent calf crop weaned per exposed female, along with pounds weaned per exposed female. This “economic analysis” discussion often leads to a debate of what has more value to the profit potential of a commercial cow-calf operation that sells calves at weaning.
Is it reproductive efficiency in the form of a higher percent calf crop weaned? Or is it the weaning weight of the calves? This week we take a look at the value of an extra 50 pounds of weaning weight versus an extra 5% calf crop weaned per exposed female relative to current market values.
We frame the debate as follows:
Herd A
• 200 cow operation.
• Average mature weight = 1,300 lbs.
• 90% calf crop weaned, resulting in 180 calves (90 steers and 90 heifers at an average of 525 lbs.)
• Herd A is averaging 472.5 lbs. of weaning weight per exposed female.
Herd B
• 200 cow operation.
• Average mature weight = 1,300 lbs.
• 85% calf crop weaned, resulting in 170 calves (85 steers and 85 heifers at an average of 575 lbs.)
• Herd B is averaging 488.8 lbs. of weaning weight per exposed female.
According to the Nov. 17 USDA Oklahoma Weekly Cattle Auction Summary, we can expect the following results:
Herd A’s calves
The 525-lb. steer calves are worth $294/cwt, or approximately $1,544 per head. The 525-lb. heifer calves are worth $243/cwt, or approximately $1,276 per head.
• 90 steers x $1,544 = $138,960.
• 90 heifers x $1,276 = $114,840.
Therefore, the total gross value is $253,800.
Herd B’s calves
The 575-lb. steer calves are worth $273/cwt, or approximately $1,570 per head. The 575-lb. heifer calves are worth $235/cwt, or approximately $1,351 per head.
• 85 steers x $1,570 = $133,450.
• 85 heifers x $1,351 = $114,835.
Therefore, the total gross value is $248,285.
Bottomline
Under current market conditions, Herd A’s advantage of 5% more calf crop weaned results in $5,515 in extra revenue over Herd B’s 50-lb. advantage in actual weaning weight. Reproductive efficiency (in the form of a higher percent calf crop weaned) is a very economically important trait in a cow-calf operation. — Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension beef cattle breeding specialist
