Evaluating Reproductive Efficiency in Beef Cattle Herds

Abstract

Unlike the dairymen, beef cattle producers derive mostof their income from calves born into the herd, making fertility the most important trait of beef cattle. A recent economic study showed that fertility was 5 times more important than the next important disease condition in cattle (Table l). Another study also showed that fertility was 5 times more important than growth rate and 10 times more important than carcass quality.¹