Modelling beef cattle production systems from the Pampas in Brazil to assess intensification options

Abstract

Traditional livestock productivity is hard to estimate, since it depends on a gamut of animal production indicators that are difficult to measure for many farms. Thus, we propose an analytical method for estimating productivity and understanding the importance of animal production indicators under different full-cycle cattle production systems in Brazil. To evaluate the impact of these indicators, equations were derived from a comutational model of herd evolution for estimating the output parameters of the system as follows: productivity per hectare (PH) and offtake rate (COR), as a function of the indicators; calving rate (CR), mating age (AM), age of slaughter (AS) and stocking rate (SR). For this analysis, twenty-seven scenarios (simulation data) of low to high productivity were used, resulting from the combination of the following factors and levels: 1) calving rate of 50, 65 and 80 %; 2) mating age of heifers of one, two and three, years of age; and 3) age at slaughter of one, two and three year old steers. The scenario with the highest impact for each parameter and the indicator of highest impact for each scenario were identified for the production conditions in the region. Under most scenarios, a reduction in mating age had a greater impact on the productivity indexes compared to a reduction in slaughter age. Appropriate management of available technologies enables farmers to compare the marginal impacts of specific indicators on full-cycle production systems for beef cattle.

Influence of weaning management at 30, 75 and 180 days of age on non‐esterified fatty acids and reproductive performance in beef cows

“…However, it is necessary to point out that we did not observe a statistically significant difference between the cows submitted to W75 (95%) and W180 (73.9%) treatments, but only between W30 and W180 cows. Although, regardless of the age at weaning, we obtained an overall PR above 70%, which is already considered an adequate average value to guarantee the highest efficiency of the system since the excellent PR must exceed 75% (Lampert et al, 2020). Results found by Moura et al (2014) also did not show differences in PR between cows that weaned calves in early weaning at 75 days (97%) and conventional weaning at 160 days (90%) during the 85‐day breeding season.…”

Cenários futuros para a produção de bovinos de corte no Brasil

“…Para atender a tais expectativas são necessárias melhorias contínuas de manejo de criação de bovinos: implementação de bem-estar animal; adequação de estruturas da fazenda; treinamento de trabalhadores; nutrição adequada; logística de transporte dos animais segura, tanto para o abate quanto para a revenda (EMBRAPA, 2020). A tendência é de que a tecnologia possibilite aos pecuaristas mais acesso a dados que favorecem a influência no setor de gado de corte, sendo inclusive, aliadas a probabilidade de mensurações aos registros dos parâmetros de monitoramento dos índices zootécnicos (LAMPERT et al, 2020).…”

Application of System Dynamics Modelling in Evaluating Sustainability of Beef Cattle Production and Business System in Smallholder Farmers in South Sumatera, Indonesia

“…Meanwhile, the production system is characterized by complexity and resource connectivity (Setianto et al, 2019). Therefore, it should be pursued by examining the problem holistically since assessment with a systems approach is relevant (Lampert et al, 2020;Sutrisna and Yhani, 2016). Using a dynamic system approach, it is possible to model by considering the interaction between subsystems and their feedback (Schaffernicht, 2010).…”