A comparison of the growth rate of single and twin born beef calves

1990 ◽  
Vol 1990 ◽  
pp. 5-5
Author(s):  
M.G. Diskin ◽  
T.G. McEvoy ◽  
J.M. Sreenan
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Simulation Study ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Biological Efficiency ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Birth Type

It is frequently hypothesised that Increasing the litter size of the beef cow would increase output and biological efficiency. Such hypothesis is supported by the simulation study of Guerra-Martlnez et al (1987), which Indicated that twinning would Increase biological and economic efficiency of beef production by 20 to 25%. However, there is little published data on the comparative growth rates of single-born, single-reared and twin-born and twin-reared beef calves. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of birth type (single or twin) on growth rate from birth through to beef and on final carcase weight, carcase conformation and fatness level.

Concentrations of glucose, albumin, inorganic phosphate and sodium in the blood of beef calves at 2 ½ months of age and their relationships with subsequent weight gain

1980 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Rowlands
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Inorganic Phosphate ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Other ◽  
Growth Depression ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Body Weights

SummaryBlood samples were taken at 9, 10 and 11 weeks of age from 230 male Hereford × Friesian calves, the progeny of 12 Hereford bulls. Concentrations of blood glucose, serum albumin, inorganic phosphate and sodium were measured and correlated with body weights and growth rates until slaughter at 19½ months of age.Correlations between growth rates and glucose concentrations (0·44) and between growth rates and albumin concentrations (0·38) were observed until 4 months of age. Similar correlations between body weights and blood glucose or albumin concentrations persisted until 6 months of age. By 10 months, however, the correlations had begun to decline, and by slaughter they had become insignificant.Correlations between growth rates and inorganic phosphate or sodium concentrations were smaller, and also decreased with age.The effect of hypoglycaemia on growth rate was compared with the effect of enzootic pneumonia. Although the 10% of calves with the lowest glucose concentrations were growing 24% more slowly than the other calves at the time of sampling, this growth depression was not related to pneumonia, and they subsequently made up for most of the early loss of growth.Three blood samples were also taken from 22 Hereford bulls. No significant correlations were observed between the blood composition of the bulls and the body weights or weight gains of their progeny.

The biological efficiency of meat production in sheep

1970 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. V. Large
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
High Growth ◽  
High Growth Rate ◽  
Biological Efficiency ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Final Size ◽  
Artificial Rearing ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter

SUMMARYThe biological efficiency of meat production (E) is defined as the weight of carcass produced per 100 units of digestible organic matter (DOM) consumed. The factors affecting this relationship, for ewes and lambs, are discussed and the results of experiments are used to demonstrate the effect of number of lambs per year and size of ewe on the value of E. Calculations are made to show the effect on E of other factors such as the growth rate of the lambs and the weight at which the lambs are slaughtered. The general conclusions are that the highest values for E will be obtained from small breeds of ewes producing large litters and crossed with a large breed of ram, leading to a high growth rate and final size in the lamb. A relatively small increase in litter size in the small breeds of ewe (i.e. from one to two lambs) may result in a level of efficiency as high as that achieved by a larger breed with a large litter size (i.e. three to four lambs) without having to resort to techniques such as the artificial rearing of lambs.

Aspects of rodent ecology in Lunyo Forest, Uganda

1992 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan O Okia
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Testicular Descent ◽  
Vaginal Opening ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Population Changes ◽  
Small Lake ◽  
Average Litter Size ◽  
Capture Recapture

ABSTRACTA study of small rodents was conducted in a small lake-shore forest (Lunyo) in southern Uganda between April 1970 and December 1972 Using capture recapture methods, data on population changes and breeding of six murid species were obtained At the beginning of the study, populations of Lophuromys flavopunctatus and Praomys jacksoni were higher during the mid-annual dry season (June-September), but later fluctuated with rainfall Breeding coincided with rainfall in all species but in Praomys jacksoni and Oenomys hypoxanthus breeding occurred in both wet and dry months The growth rate of laboratory reared Praomys jacksoni and Lemniscomys striatus was comparable to that in the forest within the 20–60 g weight ranges The growth rate of Lophuromys flavopunctatus in the laboratory was lower than in the forest Nonsignificant differences in growth rates were observed between individuals of different litters of the same species Except in L striatus, testicular descent in males occurred at an earlier age than vaginal opening in females The average litter size ranged from a high of 4 5 for L striatus to a low of 2 7 for O hypoxanthus

Growth and carcass characteristics of male crossbred lambs from high fecundity Booroola x Polwarth ewes: effects of litter size, castration and age

1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Ritar ◽  
PM Williams ◽  
PJ O'May ◽  
KD Gilbert ◽  
EM Bond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Multiple Birth ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
High Fecundity ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
Birth Type

Growth and carcass characteristics were obtained for 154 Border Leicester-sired male lambs, from highly fecund Booroola x Polwarth ewes, grazed on improved Tasmanian pasture and either left entire or castrated, followed by slaughter at 134, 192 or 288 days of age. Of all lambs, 15.6% were single born and 84.4% were multiple born (54.5% twins, 19.5% triplets, 8.4% quadruplets and 1.9% quintuplets). Multiples were lighter than singles at birth (3.6 v. 4.4 kg), at weaning at 78 days (21.0 v. 25.8 kg), and before slaughter at 134 days (27.5 v. 31.1 kg), 192 days (33.9 v. 36.1 kg) and 288 days (37.5 v. 42.5 kg). Similarly, carcasses were lighter and leaner, and dressing percentages were lower for multiples than for singles, but when carcass weight was included as the covariate in further analysis of carcass characteristics, there was no effect of birth type. There were no significant interactions between birth type and castration. The growth rate of ram lambs became progressively faster than wethers from weaning onwards. Liveweight differences could be detected from 134 days of age (28.8 v. 27.2 kg), but ram lamb carcasses were not heavier until 288 days (18.1 v. 16.0 kg). At 192 days, rams were leaner than wethers (condition score, 2.2 v. 2.5; GR tissue depth, 8.5 v. 11.5 mm; C-site fat depth, 3.7 v. 5.1 mm), and rams had lower dressing percentages (41.8 v. 44.0%) and larger eye muscle areas (1097 v. 1010 mm2), but carcass weights were similar (14.8 v. 14.6 kg). We conclude that the only effect of multiple birth was to delay maturation and development of lambs to reach the suitable market weight. Leaving males entire did not improve carcass weights until 288 days, which is of little benefit to Tasmanian producers where lambs are normally sold at a much younger age.

Simulating Beef Cattle Herd Productivity with Varying Cow Liveweight and Fixed Feed Supply

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Lydia J. Farrell ◽  
Stephen T. Morris ◽  
Paul R. Kenyon ◽  
Peter R. Tozer
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Calf Growth ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Beef Herd ◽  
Efficiency Data

The liveweight of New Zealand beef cows has increased in recent decades due to selection for higher growth rates. Published data suggest that the efficiency of beef cow production decreases with increasing cow liveweight. Changes in beef herd size, feed demand, production, and cash operating surplus (COS) were simulated with average mature cow liveweight varied to 450, 500, 550, and 600 kg. With total annual beef feed demand fixed at the same level, in all scenarios cow numbers and numbers of weaned calves decreased with increasing cow liveweight. When the model was run with consistent efficiency of calf production across the mature cow liveweights (scenario A), heavier cows were more profitable. However, using published efficiency data (scenarios B and C), herds of heavier cows were less profitable. The likely most realistic scenario for New Zealand hill country farms (scenario B) had COS decrease from New Zealand Dollars (NZD) 456/ha with a herd of 450 kg cows to NZD 424/ha with 600 kg cows. Reductions in COS were relatively small, which may not deter farmers from breeding heavier cows for higher calf growth rates. However, the results of this analysis combined with indirect potential economic impacts suggest that the heaviest cows may not be optimal for New Zealand hill country conditions.

Factors affecting birth weight and performance to weaning of beef calves in the dry tropics of north Queensland

1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (93) ◽  
pp. 494 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Winks ◽  
PK O'Rourke ◽  
PC Venamore ◽  
R Tyler
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Calf Growth ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Dry Tropics ◽  
And Performance

Data from 533 calves from 321 Shorthorn cows at 'Swan's Lagoon', north Queensland, were analysed by the least-squares method. Calves were sired by either Sahiwal or Brahman bulls. Birth weights, growth rates and corrected 180-day weights were comparable in Brahman and Sahiwal cross calves. Age of dam had a significant effect on performance with cows 5-8 years and 9+ years producing heavier calves than cows 3-4 years of age. Calves born early in the season were significantly superior to calves born later and males outperformed females throughout, being 8-9 per cent heavier at 180 days. Pre-calving weight of the cow was positively correlated with calf growth rate and 180 day weight. Calf gains were inversely related to cow gains from birth to weaning. Calf birth weight was significantly correlated with calf growth rate and 180-day weight.

scholarly journals The Right-Sized Cow for Emerging and Commercial Beef Farmers in Semi-Arid South Africa: Connecting Biological and Economic Efficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-104
Author(s):  
Venter T.M ◽  
Antwi M.A ◽  
Oduniyi O.S
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Production System ◽  
Biological Efficiency ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
The Right ◽  
Stock Flow ◽  
Semi Arid

The study investigates the right size of cow in terms of both biological and economic efficiency under a typical production system in semi-arid South Africa. Cow size influences biological efficiency of individual animals, which influences herd composition and stock flow on a predetermined resource base. This in turn influences the economic efficiency of the herd. Individual cows were classified as either small, medium, or large and their individual biological efficiency determined. When similar reproduction and growth rates were assumed, large cows were the most biologically efficient, followed by medium and small cows. Income from the herd of small cattle was the lowest, as fewer kilograms of beef were available to sell. Allocated costs for the herd of small cattle were the highest, due to a large number of expenses being charged per head of cattle. Subsequently, when economic efficiency was calculated, the herd of large cattle was more profitable than its smaller counterparts. The herd of large and medium cattle would become less profitable than the herd of small cattle at lower reproduction rates, and these reproduction rates were calculated. Smaller cattle have a faster maturity rate than larger cattle. A faster maturity rate provides the opportunity for early breeding. The effect of limiting feed intake of small, medium, and large cattle was compared and yielded varying results. The study concluded that cattle size influences biological efficiency, biological efficiency influences economic efficiency however there are many more variables that influence biological and economic efficiency other than size, such as reproduction rates.

Rearing dairy beef calves by multiple suckling. 2. Effects on liveweight gain of calves

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (74) ◽  
pp. 314 ◽  
Author(s):  
AG Kaiser ◽  
GH O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Calf Growth ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Kikuyu Grass ◽  
Temperate Pastures ◽  
Linear Decline

Three experiments were conducted in which dairy cows multiple suckled beef x dairy cross calves during early lactation. After weaning calves grazed nitrogen fertilized kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum). In the first experiment each cow suckled two, three or four calves for 12 weeks. Pre-weaning calf growth rate increased significantly (P < 0.01) as the number of calves suckled was reduced, In the second experiment, calves suckled at three per cow for 6, 9 or 12 weeks gained at similar rates to weaning, reaching weaning liveweights of 52, 64 and 72 kg respectively. Neither the number of calves suckled in experiment 1 nor the length of the suckling period in experiment 2 significantly affected post-weaning growth rates. In the third experiment there was no significant difference between the growth rates of calves sired by Friesian and Angus bulls. After weaning, stocking rate treatments were imposed, there being a significant (P < 0.05) but small linear decline in growth rate as stocking rate was increased. The post-weaning growth rates of calves in all three experiments were poor when compared with growth rates reported for calves grazing temperate pastures.

Progeny testing of Suffolk rams on three maternal breeds

1964 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Broadbent ◽  
J. C. Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Progeny Testing ◽  
Subjective Assessments ◽  
Type Interaction ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Cooked Meat ◽  
Birth Type

1. Six Suffolk rams (two purchased from each of three breeders) were each progeny tested on 10 Scottish Halfbred (Border Leicester ♂ × North Country Cheviot ♀), 10 Welsh and 10 Clun ewes. The progeny of the Clun ewes were reared at a different location from the progeny of the Halfbred and Welsh ewes.2. Progeny were weighed at birth and every 3 or 4 weeks thereafter so that 56 and 112 day weights could be calculated. Growth rate was considered for the periods 0–8 weeks, 8–16 weeks and 0–16 weeks. The growth rates were corrected for birth type and sex, but not for birth weight. The growth rates of a ram's progeny for a ewe type were converted into a deviation from the mean of all progeny of that ewe type, and measured in standard deviation units. An overall deviation for all ewe types for each ram was also calculated; 0–16 weeks was considered the best period over which to compare ram progeny performance and the difference between the best and worst ram for this trait represented 0·81 of a standard deviation or a 10% increase in growth rate for the progeny of the best ram over the progeny of the worst ram. There was some evidence of ram × ewe-type interaction for this trait.3. A number of progeny of each ram were sent to a central abattoir and dissected into commercial joints. All pieces were weighed and a total carcass value obtained by multiplying each joint weight by an average retail price per pound and summing. The total carcass value was converted to terms of yield in pence per pound. Subjective assessments were made for colour and texture of meat and for tenderness and flavour of cooked meat. There was little variation between ram progeny groups for any of the carcass traits.

Comparison of copper sulphate pentahydrate growth rates determined by different methods

1990 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 1691-1707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miloslav Karel ◽  
Jiří Hostomský ◽  
Jaroslav Nývlt ◽  
Axel König
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Crystal Growth ◽  
Fluidized Bed ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Copper Sulphate ◽  
Crystal Growth Rate ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Rotating Disc ◽  
Shape Factors ◽  
Data Treatment

Crystal growth rates of copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5 H2O) determined by different authors and methods are compared. The methods included in this comparison are: (i) Measurement on a fixed crystal suspended in a streaming solution, (ii) measurement on a rotating disc, (iii) measurement in a fluidized bed, (iv) measurement in an agitated suspension. The comparison involves critical estimation of the supersaturation used in measurements, of shape factors used for data treatment and a correction for the effect of temperature. Conclusions are drawn for the choice of values to be specified when data of crystal growth rate measurements are published.

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