Effect of Calving Season and Timing Within Season on Performance and Economics of Cow-Calf Production in Southwest Missouri

Abstract

A multitude of factors affect the optimum calving season, requiring site-specific systems analysis. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the calving season (S1 and S2) and the timing of calving within the season on production parameters and economics in southwest Missouri. A five-year study was conducted from 2014 to 2018 using field data recorded for 1979 Hereford cow–calf pairs. Cows were categorized by calving season and 21 d calving periods within season (Periods 1–5) in which they calved. Data were analyzed under a completely randomized design with effects of season, period, calf sex, and two and three-way interactions with the calving year as a random effect. The Cattle Value Discovery System (CVDS) beef cow model was used to estimate required cow feed and feed intake. Historical cattle market prices were used, along with total feed costs, to calculate net returns. Calving in later periods reduced the pregnancy percentage in S1 but not S2. Cows calving earlier in both seasons weaned heavier calves. Feed costs were greater in S2, but replacement heifer costs were greater in S1, especially in later calving periods. Overall, net returns were not different between S1 and S2 cows, but net returns declined in later calving periods in S1, whereas there was no difference in S2. In conclusion, at the latitude of southwest Missouri for a forage species with a bimodal growth curve, the calving period affected cow productivity and profitability in Season 1 but less so in Season 2 cows, with no difference in profitability between calving seasons.

Department(s)

School of Agriculture Science and Conservation

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.3390/ruminants6010019

Keywords

calf growth, calving season, economics, estrus cycle, reproduction, system models

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Journal Title

Ruminants

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