Effective extensive beef production as a prelude to feedlotting

A number of management strategies that can be used to improve the production and reproduction rate and involving the pregnant/lactating cow, the heifer and the bull, are discussed. Some of the factors discussed for the pregnant/lactating cow are calving season, target mass/condition required at the start of the breeding season that will ensure optimum reconception and selection for fertility. For the heifer, age at first calving, onset and length of breeding season, overmating, bull percentage and perinatal calf losses are discussed. Management factors involving the bull that are discussed include caring of the newly purchased bull, the sub-fertile bull and choice of breed for a specific environment.