Cowchips$

A Decision Making Tool for Commercial Cow-calf Managers

Abstract

Cow-calf production in Alberta is based on 2.6 million cows and bred heifers on approximately 30,000 farms and ranches. Typically these operations are mixed beef and grain with over 90% raising cattle for commercial beef production rather than for seedstock. Over 99% are spring calving with multi-sire breeding pastures and weaning in September through November. Genetic improvement in commercial herds typically occurs through the purchase of superior sires. Most managers keep only herd records and minimal financial records. Ten to 20% of commercial cow-calf managers and approximately 2000 seedstock producers keep more detailed individual cow and financial records.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Cowchip$ by analysing four years (1992 to 1995) of records from a spring calving, commercial cow-calf herd. Several of the more useful reports generated by the program as well as the scientific rationale behind these reports will be presented.