We need to improve. I the . There are now only about three-fourths as many beef cows in the US as there were in 1975, and dairy cow numbers are lower as well. Yet beef production is at an all time high. Because production per cow is about one third higher than in the 7O's.
Cattle are genetically larger and a higher percentage of cattle are fed to heavier weights.
At current levels of production per cow, it appears we simply have too many cows, unless we're willing to accept the prices currently being received. Of course, it would help to get rid of a few hogs and chickens. At times we hear that a growth implant during one phase will reduce response during a later phase. Oklahoma researchers have reported a three-phase study. Weaned steer calves were wintered for 164 days to March 27 on dormant native range with minimal protein supplementation.