Raise weaning weights through good nutrition and fertility

The sad truth is that the average national beef cattle weaning rate in South Africa fluctuates between 50% and 55%. This is dangerously low, and a financial impediment to farmers. In order to meet the expected increase in the demand for beef in the foreseeable future and to remain in business, the beef cattle production sector needs to markedly push up weaning rates as a matter of urgency.

Without the selection of top, high-potential heifers and sound management of the heifer herd, producers will find it exceedingly challenging to realise optimum reproduction efficiency in a cowherd. The goal is to limit the unproductive growth phase, achieve a high heifer conception rate, minimise calving problems, and attain above-average weaning weights and optimum reconception rates for first-calf cows.

This calls for a marked increase in South Africa’s average herd fertility, as profitable beef cattle production starts with the selection of highly fertile heifers. Fertility coupled with the attainment and maintenance of the animal’s