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Effects of Cow Size on Cow Productivity and on Calf Growth, Postweaning Growth Efficiency and Carcass Traits^1,2,

University of Wisconsin, Madison 53806

Abstract

Effects of cow size on cow productivity and calf performance were evaluated in Hereford cows. Cows were divided into four size groups based on the August weight taken during the summer following breeding for the second calf crop. Wither height was also taken at that time. Differences in the weight to height ratios and condition scores of the four size groups were highly significant. Very large cows were the fattest as well as the largest in body size. Compared to the herd average, small, medium, large and very large cows weaned –1.5, +3.6, +11.2 and –6.7% weight of calf/cow exposed, respectively. Expressed as ratio to cow metabolic weight, calf weaning weight/cow exposed was 1.63, 1.39, 1.51 and 1.15 and weight of calf slaughtered/cow exposed was 4.10, 3.47, 3.77 and 2.90 for small, medium, large and very large cows, respectively. Birth weight, preweaning daily gain and adjusted weaning weight were significantly greater for calves out of medium and large cows than for calves out of small and very large cows. The significant differences in weaning weight attributable to size of dam were maintained throughout the postweaning period, but postweaning growth and efficiency of steers were not significantly affected. At a constant age, all carcass weight and weight-related traits of steers were significantly affected by cow size. At a constant weight, the effects of cow size on most carcass traits of steers were not significant.

¹ Published as Paper No. 713 from the Dept. of Meat and Anim. Sci. Research was supported by the College of Agri. and Life Sci., Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison.

² Authors express appreciation to Drs. V. H. Braungardt and L. L. Felts for initiation of the experiment.

³ Clemson Univ., Edisto Exp. Sta., P.O. Box 247, Blackville SC 29817.

⁴ Lancaster Exp. Farm, Lancaster, WI 53813.