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An Economic Assessment of Genetic Information: Leptin Genotyping of Breeding CattleMitchell, Jay Douglas January 2006 (has links)
Recent studies show polymorphisms in the leptin gene significantly impact milk production in dairy cattle. If the leptin gene were to have a similar impact on beef cattle, calf weaning weights would be expected to increase from the increased milk production in the cows. Since weaning weight is a key component of profitability in a cow-calf operation, leptin genotyping may prove to have an economic impact in breeding cattle. However, no research has been done to link the economic impact of increased milk production to breeding cattle. Using 595 observations from genotyped cows spanning 11 years (1995-2005), calf weaning weight by genotype is estimated as a function of calf and dam characteristics and environmental effects. A MIXED procedure, utilizing data from 89 culled cows, is used to determine statistical differences in average cull age by genotype. A simulation model calculates mean annualized equivalent return by genotype and breed using the regression coefficients and residuals and 16 years of price data.
results show that at least one T-allele in breeding cows increases calf weaning weight, average cull age, and annualized equivalent return compared to cows with homozygous C-alleles. These results indicate that there may be future premiums and discounts for breeding cattle based on genotype. Seedstock producers could potentially begin to segregate herds based upon genotype so that they could sell genotypic registered products. Cow-calf producers may also benefit from this knowledge by increasing the
amount of TT genotype breeding cattle in their herd to maximize profits.
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Basis variability in the feeder cattle contract before and after cash settlementCurrin, Lisa Carol 16 December 2009 (has links)
Relationships between the futures price, cash price, and U.S. Feeder Steer Price in the final eight weeks of trading on the feeder cattle futures contract were analyzed. Models were developed to examine continued problems with basis variability in the feeder cattle futures contract. The results of these models indicated that the change from physical delivery to cash settlement and the use of the U.S. Feeder Steer Price as a settlement index for the contract did not improve problems associated with basis variability. / Master of Science
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Profits from several feeding systems followed by beef cattlemen of Southwest VirginiaNelson, G. V. January 1930 (has links)
The farmer that fed silage made a profit of $606.20 for the twenty-six years or had received an average profit of $23.31 each year per steer. The farmer that fed hay and straw made a profit of $298.76 for the twenty-six years or an average profit of $11.49 each year per steer. The farmer that fed stover and corn meal made a profit of $140.56 for the twenty-six years or an average profit each year of $5.40 per steer.
From a survey of seventy farms and 4,380 head of cattle, we find that the average carload shipment is about three care per cattlemen in Southwest Virginia allowing twenty head to the car, this would mean sixty per year. At this rate the farmer that fed silage would have made $36,372.00. The farmer that fed hay and straw would have made $17,925.00 and the farmer that fed stover and corn meal would have made $8,433.60.
The cost of silage for the twenty-six years was $412.04, for hay and straw $521.54, and for stover and corn meal $439.70. / M.S.
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Determinants of herd productivity in Botswana : a focus on land tenure and land policy.Mahabile, Meck. January 2006 (has links)
This study attempts to identify factors responsible for determining differences in the
productivity of cattle managed by communal and private livestock farmers in the
southern region of Botswana during 1999/2000. It is hypothesised that herd
productivity and investment in southern Botswana are higher on private ranches than
on open access communal grazing land.
This study is important because livestock, especially cattle, contribute significantly to
the livelihood of farmers in Botswana. Cattle are a major source of meat, milk and
draught power, and provide a store of wealth that protects against inflation and which
can easily be converted into cash. Cattle production is also an important source of
employment in the rural economy of Botswana. Furthermore, the export of beef is a
major source of foreign exchange earnings, and cattle account for 80 percent of
agriculture's contribution to Botswana's gross domestic product.
A stratified random sample survey of communal and private livestock farmers was
conducted in the southern region of Botswana from August 1999 to May 2000 with the
assistance of four enumerators. The sample survey data were used to compute
descriptive statistics and to estimate the parameters of a block recursive regression
model. The model postulated relationships between agricultural credit, investment in
fixed improvement, investment in operating inputs and herd productivity. Some of the
equations are estimated with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and some with Two-Stage
Least Squares (2SLS) to account for likely correlation between endogenous
explanatory variables and the error term.
Descriptive statistics show that levels of investment and herd productivity are higher
on private farms than on open-access communal grazing. Private farmers are also better
educated, more liquid, and have larger herd sizes, but do not differ from their
communal counterparts in terms of age, gender, race or household size. The regression
results show that (a) respondents with secure tenure and larger herds use more
agricultural credit than those who rely on open access communal grazing land to raise
cattle; (b) secure land tenure, higher levels of liquidity and use of long-term credit
promote investment in fixed improvements to land; (c) liquidity from short-term credit
and wage remittances supports expenditure on operating inputs; and (d) herd
productivity increases with greater investment in fixed improvement and operating
inputs. Herd productivity is therefore positively (but indirectly) influenced by secure
land tenure.
It can therefore be inferred that government should (a) uphold private property rights to
land where they already exists; (b) privatise open access grazing to individual owner operators
where this is politically, socially, and economically feasible; and (c) where
privatisation to individuals is not feasible, government should encourage users to
convert the grazing into common property by subsidising the costs of defining user
groups and the boundaries of their resources, and enforcing rules limiting individual
use of common property. This first-step in a gradual shift towards more secure tenure
should be followed by the conversion of user groups to non-user groups organized
along the lines of investor-owned firms where members exchange use rights for benefit
and voting rights in a joint venture managed by an expert. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.
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A strategy for optimal beef production off sourveld.Buntting, Clive Bartle. 06 December 2013 (has links)
The economic necessity of a better production strategy on sourveld promoted this study. Production of marketable two-tooth steers in the summer season and overwintering of all cattle without excessive feed costs were motivating factors. The problems of economic beef production were identified as resulting from the seasonal flow of forage quality from
sourveld grass production. Season long rests, early burning and non-selective grazing of nutritious grass were identified as essential elements of a new utilization strategy. A 'forage reserve', built into the system to cater for fluctuations in grass production due to varied climatic conditions, is used as an indicator of the seasonal stocking rate. This
provides a barometer in relation to the economic and ecological carrying capacity of the property. Research was conducted on the winter utilization of rested veld and its effects on grass species composition and vigour in the following season. It was found that the winter grazing of the rested veld did not affect (P>0.05) the subsequent production in the three
seasons of this study on 'Stratherne' in the Dundee district, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa (30°17'E 28°17'S). The grass species composition of four transects was recorded in 1994, prior to the implementation of the grazing system under test. The same transects were recorded again in 2002 to determine the effect of the change in utilization on grass species composition. It was found that a more productive state was developing in response to the strategy implemented in this study. The general trend has been for sites to move from a Hyparrhenia hirta dominated state to a more productive one associated with species such as Themeda triandra. Summer mass gains of steers (147 kg and 143 kg over the two summers) have improved over the previous systems applied (average 119 kg), as a result of the more nutritious grazing. A greater proportion reached market readiness as two-year old to two and half year olds (97%) on veld, which is far superior to the 38% quoted from research using similar Bonsmara type steers from 'conventional' systems. Monitoring and flexibility are
important in the application of the strategy to conditions in Africa. The principles of adaptive management (monitoring, recording, constant learning and adaptation) will build a data base to ensure long-term success of the strategy. A change of focus in grazing strategy from needs of animals to the needs of plants is strongly advocated. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.
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Economic evaluation of management strategies for cattle ranching in semi-arid regions.Tarr, Heather Lucy. January 2001 (has links)
Arid and semi-arid regions have increasingly become the subject of much research
and debate by scientists. By their very nature, these regions characteristically
exhibit extremes which complicate the implementation of effective management
strategies that ensure sustainable productivity and economic output. Namibia is
one such region where low and highly variable rainfall conditions and fluctuating
productivity pose a challenge to managers of commercial livestock enterprises,
/
who seek to optimise economic benefits while controlling the negative effect on
herd production and income of unpredictable and unfavourable climatic events.
Various management approaches are proposed as a means of exploiting periods
of abundant productivity and so optimising income from herd production, while
controlling for the effects of drought conditions. To analyse the effects of these
various offtake strategies, a rainfall-driven plant-herbivore simulation model is
used. The model comprises components simul~tihg vegetation and herbivore
dynamics. The vegetation component incorporates soil moisture and nutrient
allocation to plant parts. The herbivore dynamics sub-model comprises age and
sex classes, population dynamics and animal energy requirements which govern
accumulated fat reserves. The model is adapted to account for climatic and
vegetation attributes specific to Namibia. An economic component including a
seasonal monthly price structure is developed, and a dynamic feedback governing
management decisions is incorporated.
The much debated issue of whether to maintain a constant stocking rate or to track
climatic variation by employing a variable stocking level is investigated, with the
performance of management strategies incorporating these approaches ranked
according to various factors, including annual returns, associated risk and annual
stock mortality. The economic consequences of the timing of offtake are
investigated, with the simulation of management strategies that implement destocking
in the face of anticipated drought conditions. A dynamic projection of
expected income allows the impact of forecasting potential economic gains on
decision-making to be analysed.
Results indicate that the performance of management strategies is not as
dependent on climatic and seasonal price variability as was originally expected,
with the application of a constant stocking level proving to be the most favourable
strategy in terms of economic gain and variability of income. Tracking climatic
variation by adapting stocking levels does not provide the improvement in
economic returns from a livestock production system that was anticipated,
although this approach is successful in effecting a significant reduction in annual
stock mortality. Further results show the sensitivity of income to the long-term
average stocking level characterising the management strategies investigated, as
well as to the elasticity of the underlying price structure.
The results of this study indicate that the implementation of management
strategies designed to track climatic variation does not offer significant economic
advantages over the application of a constant stocking approach. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.
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The bioeconomic implications of various stocking strategies in the semi- arid savanna of Natal.Hatch, Grant Peter. January 1994 (has links)
Climatic and market uncertainty present major challenges to livestock producers
in arid and semi-arid environments. Range managers require detailed information
on biological and economic components of the system in order to formulate
stocking strategies which maximise short-term financial risk and minimise long-term
ecological risk. Computer-based simulation models may provide useful tools to
assist in this decision process. This thesis outlines the development of a
bioeconomic stocking model for the semi-arid savanna of Natal.
Grazing trials were established at two sites (Llanwarne and Dordrecht) on
Llanwarne Estates in the Magudu area of the semi-arid savanna or Lowveld of
Natal. The Lowveld comprises a herbaceous layer dominated by Themeda triandra,
Panicum maximum and P. coloratum and a woody layer characterised by Acacia
species. The sites differed initially in range composition. Llanwarne was
dominated by Themeda triandra, Panicum maximum and P. coloratum, while
Dordrecht with a history of heavy stocking was dominated by Urochloa
mosambicensis, Sporobolus nitens and S. iocladus. Three treatments were stocked
with Brahman-cross cattle at each site to initially represent 'light'(0.17 LSU ha-'),
'intermediate' (0.23 LSU ha-') and 'heavy' (0.30 LSU ha-') stocking. Data collected
at three-week intervals over seven seasons (November 1986 to June 1993 or 120
measuring periods) provided the basis for the development of a bioeconomic
stocking model (LOWBEEF - LOWveid BioEconomic Efficiency Forecasting) which
comprised two biological sub-models (GRASS and BEEF), based on step-wise
multiple linear regression models, and an integrated economic component (ECON) .
The GRASS model predicted the amount of residual herbage at the end of summer
(kg ha-') and the forage deficit period (days) over which forage supplementation
would be required to maintain animal mass. Residual herbage mass at the end of
summer (kg ha-') was significantly related (P < 0.01) to cumulative summer grazing
days (LSU gd ha-'), rainfall (mm) (measured 1 July to 30 June) and range condition
(indexed as the sum of the proportions of T. triandra, P. maximum and P.
coloratum). The forage deficit period (days) over which herbage mass declined
below a grazing cut-off of 1695 kg ha-' was significantly related (P < 0.01) to residual herbage mass at the end of summer. The BEEF model predicted the
livemass gain over summer (kg ha¯¹)
which was significantly related (P< 0.01)
to rainfall (mm) stocking rate (LSU ha¯¹) but interestingly not to
condition. The economic component (ECON) reflected the difference between
gross income (R ha¯¹) and total costs, which were based on fixed and variable cost
structures (using 1993 Rands), including demand-related winter costs, to
reflect net returns to land management (R ha¯¹).
A conceptual model of range dynamics based on three discrete states, was
to developed to summarise the effects of rainfall and stocking rate in semi-arid
savanna. State 1, characterised by iocladus and S. nitens, was associated with
heavy stocking. Movement towards State 2, characterised by T. triandra and
P. maximum, was associated with periods of above-average rainfall. Drought
conditions, which comprised a major system disturbance led to stability at State 3,
dominated by U. mosambicensis. Post-drought recovery was influenced by predrought
composition and stocking levels where tuft numbers, basal cover and seedbank
were significantly reduced by increased stocking within a sward
dominated by species of low stature such as Aristida congesta subsp
Urochloa mosambicensis, Sporobolus nitens, Sporobolus iocladus and Tragus
racemosa. It was suggested that extensive soil loss may lead to stabilisation
across an irreversible threshold at a forth state characterised by shallow
species such as Tragus racemosa Aristida congesta subsp. congesta.
Sensitivity of optimum economic stocking rate net return to price and interest
rate fluctuations, and wage and feed cost increases were examined for various
rainfall and range condition scenarios. Net return and optimum economic stocking
rate increased as rainfall and range condition increased through the effect of increased
residual herbage mass at the end summer, decreased forage deficit
periods and reduced supplementary feed costs. Net return was highly responsive
to changes beef price where an increase in beef price led to an increase in
optimum economic stocking rate and net return. The effect of reduced prices may
be compounded by dry where supply-driven decreases in price may occur. This suggested that for dry seasons the optimum stocking rate was the lightest
within the range of economic stocking rates. Although an increase in interest rates
would increase variable costs and lead to reduced returns, the influence of interest
rates on enterprises will vary in relation to farm debt loads. Increased labour costs
would result in a corresponding decline in net return although optimum economic
stocking rate would remain unaffected. Increased supplementary feed cost had
little influence on net return relative to the effect of demand-driven increases in
feed costs as rainfall decreased .
The distribution of net returns for stocking strategies of 0.20, 0.30 and 0.40 LSU
ha¯¹ and climate-dependent stocking (where stocking levels were varied in relation
to rainfall and hence forage availability) and range condition scores of 10, 50, 80
and a dynamic range model were examined for a 60 year rainfall sequence (1931-
1991). While a range score of 10 would see residual herbage mass decline to
below a grazing cut-off of 1695 kg ha¯¹ before the end of summer, a range score
of 80 suggested that, irrespective of stocking strategy within the range
investigated, herbage would not become limiting. This suggested that irrespective
of stocking strategy a range score of 10, established across an irreversible soil loss
threshold, would reflect accumulated losses over the 60 year period. In contrast,
a range score of 80 would lead to positive accumulated returns. A dynamic range
model (where range composition was related to previous seasons rainfall) and a
climate-dependent stocking strategy, suggested that herbage would not become
limiting by the end of summer and forage deficit periods would be restricted to an
average of 88 days per year. Such an approach would yield a higher accumulated
cash surplus than fixed stocking strategies.
Incorporation of stochastic rainfall effects allowed the development of cumulative
probability distributions based on 800-year simulations to evaluate the risk
associated with various stocking strategies. Range condition played a major role
in determining the risk of financial loss where decreased range condition was
associated with enhanced risk. An increase in stocking rate resulted in increased
variability in returns. Although the risk of forage deficits and financial losses may be reduced with lighter stocking, this may be at the cost of reduced returns during
wetter seasons. Increased stocking may increase the probability of higher returns
during wetter seasons although this may at the cost of increased risk of forage
deficits and highly negative returns during dry seasons. Importantly, ecological risk
may increase as stocking is increased. A flexible or climate-dependent strategy,
where stock numbers are adjusted according to previous seasons rainfall,
combine financial benefits of each approach and reduce financial risk.
Although errors may carry hig h ecological costs where, for example, the effect of
an above-average rainfall season would be to increase stock numbers into a
subsequent dry season, the probability of incurring such error was low.
Current livestock production systems in the semi-arid savanna of Natal based on
breeding stock may not be appropriate in a highly variable environment where low
rainfall may require extended periods of supplementary feeding or force the sale of
breeding stock. A change in emphasis from current systems to a mixed breeding
system, where the level of breeding stock would be set at the optimum economic
stocking rate for drier seasons, may decrease both financial and ecological risk.
Growing stock may either be retained or purchased during wetter seasons to reach
the optimum economic stocking rate for such seasons. Although growing stock
may display a greater tolerance to restricted intake (during dry seasons)
than would breeding stock, additional growing may be rapidly sold in
response to declining rainfall with no influence on the breeding system. Integration
of wildlife into current cattle systems may be an important means of reducing
financial risk associated with variable rainfall and profitability and ecological risk
associated with woody plant encroachment. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1994.
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Investigation of leptin genotypes and economically important dairy traits in jersey cows.Todd, Caryn Jayne. January 2005 (has links)
Dairy farming is one of the most important agricultural industries in South
Africa, and thus improving the performance of dairy cows, with respect to
economically important dairy traits, would be beneficial. Selection of dairy
cows has traditionally been phenotypic, but new molecular techniques have
made it possible to evaluate phenotypic dairy traits at the DNA level, providing
the possibility of more accurate selection. The economically important dairy
traits, milk production and reproductive performance, are quantitative traits,
and are therefore controlled by many genes and the environment. A number
of genes have been identified that have been shown to influence economically
important dairy traits, including the lep gene. This gene encodes the hormone
leptin, which has been proven to regulate feed intake, energy balance, fertility
and immune function. A polymorphism has been identified in the lep gene,
which may be associated with economically important dairy traits. This study
on a South African Jersey herd investigated the possible association of the
polymorphism, RFLP-Kpn 21, with milk production and reproductive
performance. The lactation records of fifty Jersey cows that completed their
first lactation between 1997 and 2004 were collected, and these cows were
genotyped for the RFLP-Kpn 21 polymorphism, located at exon 2 of the lep
gene. This involved the extraction of DNA from venous blood, using a salting
out technique. The extracted DNA was amplified using PCR primers; the
reverse primer included a purposeful mismatch. The role of the purposeful
mismatch was to create a recognition site for a restriction enzyme (Kpn 21),
thus allowing the alleles of the polymorphism to be identified through a
restriction digestion protocol. Two alleles were identified, the C- and the Tallele.
The genotype of each cow was identified using PAGE. The
significance of the genotype effects on the milk production traits and the
reproductive performance traits were estimated using the F-statistic provided
by a GLM Univariate analysis. In conclusion, no significant effect of the
RFLP-Kpn 21 polymorphism was found for milk yield, butterfat and protein
percentage, ICP and SPC (p > 0.05), but a possible association with lactose
percentage was suggested by the statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Further
investigation of South African Jersey cows will be necessary in order for
conclusive results to be obtained. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.
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Summer supplementation of beef cattle on veld and kikuyu pastures.Reynolds, Richard Norman. 10 December 2013 (has links)
In KwaZulu-Natal the production of beef in summer from veld is a common
enterprise. Many techniques are available to optimise the productivity of this enterprise,
from improving the quality of the grazing resource (planted pastures) to improving the diet of
animals using nutritional supplements. To gain an insight into the production potential and
financial returns possible from such improvements a trial was established at the Ukulinga
Research Farm during two consecutive summer growing seasons (1997-1998 and 1998-1999).
The aim was to determine the optimum beef production system for the area from both
veld and kikuyu pastures. To evaluate the benefits of supplying supplementary nutrition, four
alternate feed supplements, namely: 1) a Standard commercially available molasses-based
protein/mineral/energy supplement; 2) a Brewers grain based protein/mineral/energy
supplement, and two supplements consisting of the Brewers grain ration with either; 3)
Avoparcin (an additive that improves dietary energy) or 4) Bentonite (an additive that
increases the bypass of protein) were compared. As stocking rate has been shown to
influence the quality of the diet consumed, the kikuyu pasture was grazed at both the
recommended (1.92 LSD ha¯¹) and half the recommended stocking rate for the region. In
addition, a commercial hormonal implant was applied to half of the cattle in each treatment.
Grazing was monitored using the falling plate disc meter to measure pasture bulk
density and laboratory analyses of herbage grab samples for digestibility and crude protein
percentage. Cattle were weighed on a weekly basis and their condition was scored prior to
slaughter. All enterprise costs and returns were recorded to facilitate financial analyses of the
five treatments.
Low rainfall and high midsummer temperatures had a detrimental effect on the
productivity of the grazing and hence it was difficult to optimise production in either season.
In the first season, a midsummer drought decreased the quality and quantity of both veld and
kikuyu, limiting mass gain during the latter part of the season. A delay in the onset of rain at
the start of the second season limited the available grazing season to 121 days as opposed to
154 days, though fodder production during the season was not limited.
Trends in herbage production (quality and quantity) from veld showed moderate
quality (Crude protein 7.02%; digestibility 50.2%) with an average available herbage of 1670
kg DM ha¯¹. As anticipated, kikuyu had higher quality (Crude protein 10.84%; digestibility
53.5%) and available herbage (2730 kg DM ha¯¹). These results were similar to regional
benchmarks. The variable rainfall highlighted both the drought tolerance of veld and the minimum water requirements of kikuyu pastures. Lighter stocking rates tended to reduce the
negative impact of moisture stress on Kikuyu pastures.
The best method of producing beef (averaged over two seasons) was from heavily
stocked Kikuyu pastures using the Standard supplement (1107.63 kg livemass ha¯¹). Cattle
grazing veld and utilising the Avoparcin supplement produced beef at a rate of 95.96 kg ha¯¹.
In comparison, the unsupplemented cattle grazing Kikuyu produced 834.87 kg ha¯¹, whilst veld grazing produced 64.43 kg ha¯¹. Hormonal implants significantly (P≤0.05) improved beef production from all sources of grazing. A lack of rain limited grazing time, causing all the cattle to be marketed whilst too lean - this negatively affected live mass gain and, hence,
net financial. Although improved biological production is desirable, it is important to ensure that these gains are financially sustainable. Within the trial environment, implanted cattle fed the Standard supplement and grazing Kikuyu pastures at a high stocking rate provided the highest average gross margin of R 859.59 ha¯¹. Changing to this production system from unsupplemented veld improved expected profit by R 632.58 ha¯¹ (averaged over both seasons). Further financial analyses indicated that beef purchase price had the greatest influence on the added profit from switching from the control treatment. From a scientific standpoint these data are conclusive but it is important to remember that consumer pressure and concerns can often limit the introduction of production
improvements. Such is the case with both hormonal implants and antibiotic feed additives (Avoparcin) although considering the impact of such limitations is speculative and beyond the scope of this trial. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
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The politics of dispossession : livestock development policy and the transformation of property relations in BotswanaWorby, Eric William. January 1984 (has links)
No description available.
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