Each time a cow is not bred during a 21-day heat cycle, it can cost up to 39 lbs of weaning weight (assuming an average daily gain on calves of 1.85 lbs/day). The BCRC Value of Calving Distribution Calculator allows beef cattle producers to see what their current calving distribution is, and what the impact on their revenue would be if they move to the industry target of 60-25-10-5, or a condensed breeding season of three cycles.
Value of Calving Distribution Calculator
Instructions
Step 1: Enter your current calving distribution for each 21 day cycle, as well as other associated data.
Step 2: Enter your ideal calving distribution in Scenario 3. This can be a stepping stone to a provincial benchmark or the industry target.
Step 3: See the results comparing the average weaning weight and value from the 3 scenarios of your current calving distribution, the industry target and your ideal distribution.
REMEMBER: Any increase in revenue from having more calves born earlier in the calving season (and therefore heavier weaning weights) needs to consider the cost of achieving that outcome. This calculator does not account for those costs; nor the value from keeping cows in the herd longer.