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Caloric Efficiency of Beef Production^{1, 2,}

Texas A&M University, College Station 77843

Abstract

A study was designed for the purpose of estimating the efficiency of beef production. Measures of gross efficiency were obtained by establishing gross energy input-output relationships. Slightly over 6% of the total gross energy consumed by a cow-calf pair was converted to calf empty body energy (EBE) when the calf was slaughtered at 351 days of age. Three different sequences of furnishing energy to the dam had little apparent influence upon gross efficiency of production in this short term study. Gross efficiency of calf EBE gain from birth to slaughter was estimated at 16.7%. Net efficiency for non-lactating cow EBE gain was estimated at 15.7%. Gross and net efficiencies of milk production were established at 4.9 and 23.5%, respectively. All of these values indicated the need for continued improvement in the efficiency of beef production.

¹ The authors express appreciation to Mr. P. T. Marion, Superintendent of Texas A&M University Research Station at Spur for his assistance while conducting this study.

² Technical article series number TA 11013 of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

³ Department of Animal Science.