Simulations of feed intake, production output, and economic result within extensive and intensive suckler cow beef production systems

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of and variation in both maternal and production input traits on the production economy within extensive and intensive suckler cow production systems. By use of a bio-economic model, feed intake, number of weaned calves, kilogram carcass produced, gross margin and labour costs for an average cow (including offspring) through one production cycle from one calving to the next were simulated. Several scenarios were included, changing the input traits from the average within the third of herds with the lowest performance, to the average within the third of the herds with the highest performance in the Norwegian beef cattle recording system, and compared with baseline scenarios. The results revealed that the variation in production traits had the largest influence on the economic result, but the calf mortality and the calving interval also had considerable economic importance. Both the extensive and intensive production systems were profitable, with a similar gross margin/kilogram carcass.