Evaluating the Sustainability of Beef Cattle Breeding Systems

Evaluating the Sustainability of Beef Cattle Breeding Systems

Summary

The purpose of the project is to evaluate two beef cattle breeding systems with a focus on understanding three key areas of sustainability within each system: production, performance, and profit. Within herds at each location, cows were assigned to one of two breeding systems: 1) cows will be bred via natural service bulls (NS); and 2) cows will be bred via artificial insemination followed by exposure to natural service bulls (AI). Producers at each location worked closely with their country Extension agent to accomplish research objectives and project personnel were on location at each operation at least four times in order to accomplish research objectives. The project was split into 2 cohorts, one starting in 2013 and one in 2014. Three meetings are held separately for each cohort of producers. At each meeting surveys and tests are administered to gather data and focus group sessions are held to discuss topics pertinent to the current stage of the project. In addition, focus group sessions are held with participating county Extension staff at each meeting to gather input about their perceptions of the effort and how the project has impacted them professionally and personally.

In 2013 we reported that 4 commercial beef operations (Cohort 1) were involved with all aspects of the project. A midpoint meeting was held in early 2014 to field questions from participating producers about what to anticipate during their upcoming calving season, and to have focus group conversations about project activities and how their herd production, performance, and profit measures could be used to improve their operation’s sustainability. Since that meeting, calves resulting from each of our breeding systems comparisons have been born and weaned at each operation. Preliminary analysis of Cohort 1 data revealed that no differences (P = 0.84) were present in season ending pregnancy rates between cows in the NS (93.2%) and AI (92.9%) treatments. However, calf weaning weights were greater (P < 0.01) for calves from the AI treatment (554.3 lb.) compared with calves from the NS treatment (530.4 lb.). Weaning weight results, along with costs of implementing each respective breeding system will be included in a partial budget analysis for each producer that will be discussed at a data summary meeting will be held in early 2015.

In 2014 6 commercial beef operations (Cohort 2) began their collaborations with the effort for a total of 10 participating operations. Cooperating operations added in Year 2 include Jerid and Camie Janikowski in Bowman, ND, Klein Ranch in Hazen, ND, Kent and Judy Oland in Sheldon, ND, Dustin Roise in Powers Lake, ND, Chris and Nadine Tedford in McKlusky, ND, and Rodney and Karen Schmidt in Streeter, ND. Individual meetings were held with each project participant in Cohort 2 to address any questions they had about the project, then all producers and Extension Agents involved gathered for an introduction meeting that reviewed concepts of sustainability and details of the production, performance, and profit aspects of the project. From May 30^th to July 4^th breeding systems were implemented on each operation. A midpoint meeting will be held for Cohort 2 participants in early 2015 as producers prepare for calves to be born from each respective breeding system this spring.

Each producer also participated in the CHAPS and Farm Business Management programs to better understand the performance and profit aspect of the project. Focus groups are used to assess the participating producers’ perceptions of how each program contributes to their understanding of strengths and weaknesses of their operation.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Short term outcomes:

• Determination of production, performance, and profit responses of two beef cattle breeding systems implemented on each of 10 cooperating producer operations.
• Increased skills, awareness and knowledge of cooperating producers regarding breeding systems, herd performance, and beef production system finances
• Continuing education for NDSU Extension and ND Farm Business Management groups
• Creation of a network of producers and Extension agents that fosters discussion and group learning related to the sustainability of beef production systems

Intermediate outcomes:

• Documented changes over time in perception of participating collaborators and producers regarding breeding systems, herd performance, and beef production system finances  
• Increased use of the tested breeding strategies, herd performance evaluation and Farm Business Management services by producers participating in the project
• Improved sustainability (optimization of profitability and quality of life) for participating producers
• Increased awareness and knowledge of breeding systems, herd performance, and beef production system finances of producers, students, veterinarians, and members of allied industries attending programs, receiving educational materials produced via grant-related activities, or otherwise interacting with personnel involved with the proposed project.

Accomplishments/Milestones

As of July 2014 the respective breeding systems being tested have now been implemented at each of 10 commercial beef production operations (4 during 2013 and 6 during 2014). The performance responses have been evaluated for producers that started the project in 2013. Preliminary analysis of data revealed that no differences (P = 0.84) were present in season ending pregnancy rates between cows in the NS (93.2%) and AI (92.9%) treatments. During the calving season, a greater proportion (P < 0.05) of cows in the AI treatment (42.2%) gave birth in the first 21 d of the calving season compared with cows in the NS treatment (25.6%). From d 22 to 42 a greater proportion (P < 0.05) cows in the NS treatment (43.9%) gave birth compared to cows in the AI treatment (30.9%). The proportion of cows that calved after d 42 of the calving season was similar among treatments. Calf weaning weights were greater (P < 0.01) for calves from the AI treatment (554.3 lb.) compared with calves from the NS treatment (530.4 lb.). Calving and weaning data from Cohort 2 will be collected during 2015 and subsequently added to the dataset and analyzed. Weaning weight results, along with costs of implementing each respective breeding system will be included in a partial budget analysis to compare the implication of each breeding system on overall operational profitability.

Short term objectives 2-4 have been further addressed during this reporting year. In addition, Intermediate outcome #1 is underway with each of the 10 cooperating producers and county Extension staff participating in our project, and intermediate outcome #4 continues to be addressed through outreach efforts associated with the project.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Project design, concepts, and progress were shared with have been shared at Face to face with 750 producers during this reporting period. Continuing education training sessions were held for North Dakota State University Extension Agents, and project details were presented in 4 articles in major regional farm news outlets. In addition, two TV interviews covering our research efforts were conducted that have major coverage throughout North Dakota and permeating into surrounding states. All participating producers have increased skills, awareness and knowledge of breeding systems, herd performance, and financial aspects of their operation. Calves born at operations participating in the first year of the project revealed a shift in calving distribution and heavier weaning weights for those calves born in the AI treatment. Our longitudinal evaluations and focus group sessions will continue for each group of producers, and producers that started the project in 2014 will have calves born and weaned during the coming year.

Collaborators: