J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1969. 29:862-868.
© 1969 American Society of Animal Science
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Estimation of Efficiency of Beef Production

G. E. Joandet1 and T. C. Cartwright

Texas A&M University, College Station

Abstract

Monthly weights of 118 cows from birth until they were culled from the herd were used in the study. Twelve different breeding groups were represented. Description of the growth curve was made for each individual with the Gompertz equation. The effects of year of birth and breeding group on the parameters of the equation were studied. Both variables had significant effect on A and {alpha} but only breeding group affected the
Figure 1
ratio. Since this ratio is associated with asymptotic or mature weight, these environmental effects did not significantly affect mature weight in this study. Age at which animals reached puberty or point of inflection was significantly affected by year of birth. Different breeding groups snowed differences in growth pattern, fertility, milk production and longevity. Taking these variables into consideration, cumulative TDN required for production was computed by imposing a set of assumptions and estimating TDN requirements. It was shown that there is a point in the life of a slaughter animal at which the cumulative TDN required to produce a unit of live weight is minimum. The weight and age at which this maximum efficiency point was reached (optimum slaughter weight) was different for the different breeding groups. Based on cumulative TDN requirements, optimum slaughter weight ranged from 334 to 400 kg. at ages from 17 to 22 months. Different breeding groups, compared at optimum slaughter weight, produced a kg. of live weight at efficiencies which varied as much as 1 kg. or more of cumulative TDN.

Footnotes

1 Present address: Est. Exp. INTA, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.






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