GROWTH RATE EFFECT

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32038, 12 July 1969, Page 8

GROWTH RATE EFFECT

One hundred steer calves with a growth rate of 21b a day could have a margin of $lOBO, or 30 per cent on calves with a growth rate of only 1.51 b a day. Mr G. Falloon, of Masterton, a member of a co-opera-tive herd improvement scheme, gave some figures on the economic effect of growth rates during the course of a tour of Mid and South Canterbury by Aberdeen Angus breeders last week.

Taking 100 steer calves—6o per cent born in September apd 40 per cent in October—with a growth rate of 1.51 b a day from birth to weaning, the returns were: Sixty at 1.51 b for 217 days, equalled 3851 b, value $4O, a total of $2,400; 40 at 1.51 b for 187 days equalled 3401 b, value $3O, a total of $1,200. The combined return was $3,600. Working on a similar basis with a growth rate of 1.71 b a day, the figures were: Sixty for 217 days equalled 4301 b worth $42 a head, a total of $2,520; 40 for 187 days

worth $4O a head, a total of $1,600 —a combined return of $4,120. The gain over the calves gaining 1.51 b a day represented $520 or 14.5 per cent. Taking growth rate at 21b a day, the gain over the 1.51 b a day group was $l,OBO, or 30 per cent.

“It becomes obvious that the 21b a day bull Is well worth buying,” Mr Falloon said. “His daughters, when returned to the breeding herd must also have a greater potential for gain."