Optimizing Beef Cattle Nutrition from Conception to Consumption

Abstract

Feed cost and reproductive efficiency are the 1^st and 2^nd largest factors, respectively, that dictate profitability of the cow-calf enterprise. It should not be forgotten that these two economic areas are not independent of one another, as nutritional management is the largest single factor that producers can control that influences the probability of pregnancy. Thus, without proper nutritional management, many reproductive processes are altered, and establishment and maintenance of pregnancy may be hindered or prevented entirely. Traditionally, the major concern related to the interface between nutrition and reproduction is the effect of under nutrition prior to breeding. However, recent research in the fields of fetal/developmental programming as well as post-breeding heifer management suggests nutrition can significantly impact not only reproductive capacity of the female, but long term growth and efficiency of her progeny. Therefore, developing appropriate nutritional programs for all phases of production is critical for the economic success and productivity of the beef operation for not only the current year, but for years to come.