Production costs and economic indicators in the complete cycle of crossbred dairy calves

Abstract

The complete rearing cycle of dairy calves is not yet widely adopted by rural producers, possibly because they do not perceive these animals as potential meat producers or are unaware of their production capabilities. This study aimed to assess the economic viability of rearing dairy calves through their entire growth cycle. Sixteen Holstein × Gyr crossbred animals were assessed, originating from dairy farming, with an average initial weight of 40.67 ± 5.27 kg and slaughtered at 10 months of age, reaching a final weight of 320.4 ± 45.87 kg. These calves were reared in a feedlot system and received a mash diet without the inclusion of roughage. The experiment was conducted on a farm primarily focused on dairy farming, situated in the municipality of Turvânia, GO, Brazil. Economic evaluations were conducted at the conclusion of the production cycle, with the calculation of the value of the arroba (@ = 15 kg) produced. Data were analyzed using a production cost structure methodology, which included effective operating cost, total operating cost, and total cost. The following economic indicators were examined: gross revenue, gross margin, net margin, and the break-even point. Results were highly promising, demonstrating a profit from raising dairy male calves, with a net margin per animal of BRL 321.50. Additionally, these animals displayed noteworthy potential for weight gain and carcass quality. A total of 149.19 @ were produced, averaging 9.32 @ per animal, with a production cost of BRL 105.52, encompassing expenses such as milk consumption, concentrate diet, and labor, which amounted to BRL 1.18 per month per animal. These findings underscore the economic feasibility of this rearing system.

Modernization of calf rearing technology elements in cattle breeding

“…Increasing the nutritional value of feed by 10% can lead to a 43% increase in profits, raising livestock with low RFI can reduce feed consumption by 12%, reduce methane emissions by 30% and reduce manure by 17% [15]. An assessment of the economic feasibility of raising cross-bred dairy calves (Holstein × Gyr) throughout their growth cycle from birth with an average initial weight of 40.67 kg and slaughtered at the age of 10 months, reaching a final weight of 320.4 kg showed that growing on feedlots on a mixed diet without the inclusion of coarse feed provided a large profit, significant potential in increasing the carcass weight and quality [16].…”