By Scout Nelson
Some producers view compensatory gain in summer as “free gain,” especially when buying lighter calves in spring for grazing. These calves, having been on a lower nutrition plane, often gain more efficiency on summer pasture compared to heavier calves previously fed a richer diet.
However, retained calves—those kept through winter and sold as yearlings—the economics differ. When comparing calves gaining 2.0 pounds per day in winter to those gaining 0.8 pounds per day, the added feed cost for the higher gain averaged about $50 per head over 18 years. Despite this, the heavier calves remained around 70 pounds heavier in September after summer grazing.
Long-term data shows targeting higher winter gains was more profitable in 17 out of 18 years. On average, calves with higher winter gains yielded a $28 per head profit advantage by September. This strongly suggests that investing in winter gain is a better financial choice than relying on summer compensatory growth for retained calves.
Some assume that lighter calves from lower winter growth rates eat less forage and thus allow for higher stocking rates in summer. However, research shows these calves eat the same amount of dry matter daily as heavier calves because they consume more relative to their body weight. Therefore, stocking rates should remain consistent regardless of calf weight entering summer.
Bottom line: While summer compensatory growth may seem beneficial, it often does not deliver the same level of profitability as achieving higher gains during winter. For those retaining calves, focusing on steady winter growth is the smarter economic decision when preparing to sell yearlings later in the year.
Photo Credit:istock-123ducu
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Weather