Identifying performance benchmarks and determinants for reproductive performance and calf survival using a longitudinal field study of cow-calf herds in western Canada.

ABSTRACT: The cow-calf industry in North America is in a period of rapid consolidation with corresponding increases in herd sizes and changes in management. The objectives of this study were to examine longitudinal data on reproductive performance in cow-calf herds and identify benchmarks for the most critical measures and important sources of differences among herds. To address these questions, a surveillance network was established in western Canada to collect data between 2013 to 2017 privately owned cow-calf herds during calving (n = 105 herds) and at pregnancy testing (n = 94 herds). Data were summarized for a number of indices of herd performance. However, the values considered to be most reliable and accurate were the percentage of females not pregnant when tested by a veterinarian, the perce

SUBMITTER: Waldner CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6662034 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature