Evaluation of biological and economic efficiency of the All Heifer, No Cow beef production system using a system dynamics model based on 6 yr of demonstration herd data.

ABSTRACT: Alternative management strategies with no cows and all heifers may improve biological and economic efficiency of beef production. The All Heifer, No Cow (AHNC) beef production system involves insemination of nulliparous heifers with female sex-selected semen (FSS) to produce primarily female calves that are early weaned at 3 mo of age. Dams are finished on a high concentrate diet and harvested before 30 mo of age. The objectives of this research were to: 1) build a dynamic model of an AHNC beef production system to quantify system biological and economic efficiency; 2) compare effects of utilizing FSS vs. conventional semen on biological and economic efficiency; 3) evaluate what-if scenarios to determine the effects on biological and economic efficiency of changing variables ±5%, 10%, 15%,

SUBMITTER: Harrison MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7819636 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature