HERD MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES THAT INFLUENCE TOTAL BEEF CALF PRODUCTION .2.

This two-part article discusses management practices that producers ca n use to improve their revenue through the total kilograms of-calf wei ght produced annually. Part I reviewed low numbers of calves weaned an d a low percentage of caves born early in the calving season as the tw o primary factors that influence weaning weight and total calf product ion in a cow herd. Part II examines the following factors that can inf luence the growth rate of suckling calves; hybrid vigor, low milk prod uction of dams, low inherited growth potential from sires use of growt h-promotant implants, and ill-thrift conditions of calves. Generally, reduced net calf crop can be attributed to poor reproductive performan ce of the cow herd. In cases in which this is determined not to be the problem, however, there should be an analysis of factors present in t he herd that can affect calf growth rate.