The results should apply to the majority of those herds which bear a close resemblance to the example herd. However, managers must interpret the results with regard to their own specific production system. The information presented is based on a broad range of sources. The management practices are presented in approximate order of estimated economic benefit. This can be a very profitable management technique when applied in anappropriatesituation.
Profit is determined by the cost of creep feed relative to the price for calves.
If pasture is good, then calves will tend to substitute creep for pasture, reducing the economic efficiency of creep feeding. To evaluate this practice, we have to compare the expected performance of calves from the superior sire to calves from a sire with a lower level of genetic merit. The negative bull would represent the down side of choosing a non-evaluated bull. The example assumes that the dehorning is done correctly, with minimal stress, to young calves. Costs for implementing more intensive grazing management are for subdividing a 50 acre pasture into 6 paddocks using 2-wire permanent electric fence.