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2 Questions about Mature cow weight
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<blockquote data-quote="DiamondSCattleCo" data-source="post: 514382" data-attributes="member: 2862"><p>Actually, these aren't guesses and assumptions, but rather studies done by the University of Saskatchewan (world class Ag department). A large cow is less efficient, and takes ever increasing amounts of energy in comparison to a small cow when the mercury drops. Its not just related to surface area, however I'll need to dig out the paper to remember what their actual hypothesis was.</p><p></p><p>I find all these theories over the years to be interesting. If you look at papers written in the 50s to the early 80s (or thereabouts), the overriding theme was "smaller is better", economic efficiency wise. When you start hitting the mid 80s and on into new millenium, they preach "bigger is better". The overriding theme here was that feed efficiency between big cows and small cows was identical, however the fixed cost of keeping each was the same, so why not have the bigger cow? Now we're starting to see a reversal on that theme.</p><p></p><p>My own experience over the years bears out from the 50s. I run small to moderate frame animals around here (12 - 1300lbs), whereas my neighbors run larger framed animals (15-1600 lbs). Their animals are approximately 30% heavier, however they feed 50% - 60% more feed throughout the winter. A good friend of mine has some _really_ inefficient Simm crosses (not picking on Simms here guys, just my buddies cows), and his feed costs throughout winter run closer to 80% higher. I fed his cows for him one winter and couldn't believe the difference.</p><p></p><p>Aero, a couple thoughts on your dissertation:</p><p></p><p>1) Large framed cows tend to have less backfat than small framed animals.</p><p>2) Pencil gutted cows may have less surface area, however they also have less backfat than deep ribbed cows.</p><p>3) Heat doesn't always travel UP in a cow, but rather transfers through the hide wherever organs contact. In other words cows can and do transfer a great deal of heat out their bellies. Hence the old saw: Keep a cows belly warm, and a horse's back warmer.</p><p></p><p>Mike, Aero - I can't comment on hotter climates at all since we only have a couple months of the year when it gets really hot. But I do know what works in the cold, and its definitely not large framed cattle. I believe what makes a good cow for the north is one with plenty of back and belly fat. A heavy brisketed cow will keep easier in the winter than a light brisketed cow, and small framed animals (IN GENERAL) tend to hold onto more fat reserves as a percentage of total body weight (if you can believe the stats coming back from the packers anyway).</p><p></p><p>Rod</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DiamondSCattleCo, post: 514382, member: 2862"] Actually, these aren't guesses and assumptions, but rather studies done by the University of Saskatchewan (world class Ag department). A large cow is less efficient, and takes ever increasing amounts of energy in comparison to a small cow when the mercury drops. Its not just related to surface area, however I'll need to dig out the paper to remember what their actual hypothesis was. I find all these theories over the years to be interesting. If you look at papers written in the 50s to the early 80s (or thereabouts), the overriding theme was "smaller is better", economic efficiency wise. When you start hitting the mid 80s and on into new millenium, they preach "bigger is better". The overriding theme here was that feed efficiency between big cows and small cows was identical, however the fixed cost of keeping each was the same, so why not have the bigger cow? Now we're starting to see a reversal on that theme. My own experience over the years bears out from the 50s. I run small to moderate frame animals around here (12 - 1300lbs), whereas my neighbors run larger framed animals (15-1600 lbs). Their animals are approximately 30% heavier, however they feed 50% - 60% more feed throughout the winter. A good friend of mine has some _really_ inefficient Simm crosses (not picking on Simms here guys, just my buddies cows), and his feed costs throughout winter run closer to 80% higher. I fed his cows for him one winter and couldn't believe the difference. Aero, a couple thoughts on your dissertation: 1) Large framed cows tend to have less backfat than small framed animals. 2) Pencil gutted cows may have less surface area, however they also have less backfat than deep ribbed cows. 3) Heat doesn't always travel UP in a cow, but rather transfers through the hide wherever organs contact. In other words cows can and do transfer a great deal of heat out their bellies. Hence the old saw: Keep a cows belly warm, and a horse's back warmer. Mike, Aero - I can't comment on hotter climates at all since we only have a couple months of the year when it gets really hot. But I do know what works in the cold, and its definitely not large framed cattle. I believe what makes a good cow for the north is one with plenty of back and belly fat. A heavy brisketed cow will keep easier in the winter than a light brisketed cow, and small framed animals (IN GENERAL) tend to hold onto more fat reserves as a percentage of total body weight (if you can believe the stats coming back from the packers anyway). Rod [/QUOTE]
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