Abstract
A bioeconomic model was developed and used to evaluate economic implications of embryo transfer for steer production. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the net returns were strongly influenced by pregnancy and growth rates. Matching of recipient and embryo sizes reduced dystocia prevalence and resulted in as much as a $98 saving per transfer in costs associated with dystocia. Optimal weight and age and net returns at slaughter were found to be a function of mature size and growth rate. Varying growth rates resulted in optimal slaughter weight and net present value (NPV) ranging from 403 to 494 kg and $156 to $273, respectively, for medium-sized steer genotypes characterized by a mature size of 600 kg. The optimal slaughter weight ranged from 456 to 607 kg and NPV from $182 to $344 for large-sized steer genotypes characterized by a mature size of 750 kg. The results showed that high pregnancy rates and embryos with high growth rates generated the greatest profitability from investment in embryo transfer. The model has a wide potential application in formulating optimal biological and economic strategies for matching embryo genetic resources to physical and economic environments for commercial beef production.
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