Effect of birth weight on efficiency of beef production

Abstract

Birth weight (BW) is related to calving difficulties (CD), calf mortality (CM) and infertility carry-over effects. Calving difficulty is a most serious problem facing efficient beef production, and though many factors are involved in CD, the dystocia level increased linearly with BW. Few producers are aware of the relative magnitude of the monetary losses resulting from calf wastage. Presently, losses are being exacerbated by the unskilled use of the large continental breeds for more lean and less fat in beef. Rejection of fatty meat at home and abroad is decisive, and incompatabilities between dam and lean beef progeny must be alleviated. So, the purpose of the research was to determine how to lower BW for ease of calving yet maintain, or enhance if possible, livability of the calf and postnatal growth for desirable end product.