HERD MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES THAT INFLUENCE TOTAL BEEF CALF PRODUCTION .1.

The two primary sources of income for cow/calf producers are kilograms of calf weight produced and noncalf production (culled breeding stock ). The total kilograms of calf weight generated per cow exposed in a b reeding herd Is a product of the number of calves that are weaned and the daily weight gain achieved by the calves as a function of age. The primary factors that influence weaning weight and total calf producti on can be grouped into those that result in low numbers of calves wean ed, low average days of calf age at weaning, and low calf growth rate. This article addresses management practices that producers can use to improve their revenue through the kilograms of calf weight produced a nnually. Part I reviews the two primary factors that result in a reduc ed net calf crop: low numbers of calves weaned and a low percentage of calves weaned early in the calving season. Part II will examine other causes, including hybrid vigor, low milk production of dams, low inhe rited growth potential from sires, growth promotants, and ill-thrift c onditions of calves.