Maximum herd efficiency in meat production. II. The influence of growth and reproduction

Author: C.Z. Roux
Year: 1992
Issue: 1
Volume: 22
Page: 6 - 10

A general method is developed for the evaluation of herd efficiency in terms of efficiencies for growth and reproduction.  Almost the only requisite knowledge for the application of this method is the value of the allometric slope between the cost of cumulate feed intake and body mass for a target population. The evaluation of reproduction efficiency involves reproduction and replacement rates, early fertility, and degree of fertility at first mating. Growth efficiency is discussed in terms of cumulate vs. constant period efficiency and the influence of a likely negative genetic relationship, induced by selection, between components like preweaning and postweaning efficiencies. Finally, some consequences are derived for the effect of constant costs per time unit on total efficiency. Keywords:  Growth, herd efficiency, meat production, reproduction

 

 

 

Keywords: : Growth, herd efficiency, Meat production, Reproduction
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