The economy of induced early parturition in New Zealand dairy herds

Authors: Moller K, MacDiarmid SC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 29, Issue 9, pp 165-167, Sep 1981
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Finance/economics, Parturition, Parturition - induced, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Reproduction - hormones
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: A breakeven analysis suggests that the economy of inducing cows to calve prematurely is precariously balanced. The analysis is based on data from recent New Zealand publications and on replies to a questionnaire sent to participants in a previously reported induction trial. It suggests that the extra cost per induction is $18.60, that the cost saved is $23.40 and that the income lost $28.80. This implies that extra returns have to be about $24.00 to achieve a nil balance and it is suggested that this might be just possible during the first lactation after induction. Any profit will have to come from advantages beyond the first year. The questionnaire data indicate that about 2/3 of induced cows are likely to provide such advantages, but that 1/3 might cause further losses. It is recommended that the technique of inducing dairy cows to calve prematurely be judiciously employed, mainly in emergency, on young and healthy cows only.

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