October 31, 2006

Once-bred heifer system to increase profit from beef in UK

Not many beef producers could claim to have a margin over costs of £378 (US$717) for finished Continental cross heifers unless the latter in question were finished having already calved once at 24 months old.

There was huge potential for suckler beef producers to capitalise on by producing high quality meat from suckler cows, as well as the calf to increase output and profitability, according to a research by Lynne Dawson at AFBI, Hillsborough.

However, within suckler systems it was important to consider the optimum age at slaughter, such as once-bred heifers versus subsequent parities, in terms of maximising carcass value and overall profitability.

Once-bred heifer systems were considered biologically more efficient than maintaining a traditional suckler cow and could be used to increase herd output before the heifer was slaughtered, said Dr Dawson.

In a trial carried out at Hillsborough involving once-bred Blonde D'Aquitaine cross Charolais heifers compared with maiden heifers slaughtered at 24 months old, showed an increase in carcass value when heifers were bred and sold at weaning or after a period of finishing relative to un-bred heifers.

When costs including feed plus heifer purchase costs, were included, the highest  margin over costs was obtained for heifers slaughtered after weaning, but third parity cows produced the greatest margin over costs .

Although age at serving was a consideration, heifer body weight was more important and the rule that heifers must be at two-thirds of their mature body weight at serving should be enforced, noted MLC beef specialist Duncan Pullar while commenting on the ability to finish once-bred heifers.