Search Results (28)

(1) Background: The Hanwoo cattle industry, valued for its premium beef, faces economic challenges due to fluctuating market prices, rising production costs, and profitability disparities based on calf sex, with male calves fetching higher prices and creating income imbalances for breeding farms. (2) Methods: This study assessed the economic impact of ultrasonographic fetal sex determination, a technology enabling fetal sex identification between 55 and 100 days of gestation, using 107 pregnant Hanwoo cows, of which 104 were successfully assessed with a 96.1% accuracy rate across all gestational stages. (3) Results: Economic analysis revealed that farms employing this technology achieved higher profitability by adjusting prices based on calf sex, with male calves significantly enhancing asset value; however, the technology’s financial benefits were influenced by market dynamics, implementation costs, and sex ratios. (4) Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of ultrasonographic fetal sex determination to improve Hanwoo farm profitability and sustainability, provided its adoption is accompanied by careful consideration of costs and market conditions. Full article

The increasing global demand for animal products has impacted Brazilian cattle farming. This study aims to offer references for developing more sustainable livestock farming in Brazil. It analyzes the numbers of pasture areas, cattle herds, and stocking rates from 1970 to 2017, based on agricultural census data. Additionally, it compares pasture conditions using agricultural census data and satellite imagery for the years 2006 and 2017. The key findings include the following: (1) a 119.7% increase in cattle herds, with migration from the South and Southeast to the North and Central–West regions, which have lower land prices; (2) a 2.6% decrease in the pasture area for cattle (except in the North region); (3) a 3.8% decrease in areas in poor condition; and (4) a 125.5% increase in the stocking rate. Despite technological advancements improving productivity, most pastures (59.6%) are still underperforming, indicating potential for reducing the pressure on native vegetation. This study concludes that production areas are shifting between regions in Brazil, with livestock farming intensifying, marked by a decrease in pasture areas and degraded pastures, alongside an increase in cattle numbers and stocking rates. However, these changes are heterogeneous across the country. This analysis provides an overview of beef cattle nationwide, which is relevant for addressing production sustainability challenges. Full article

Accurate agricultural commodity price models enable efficient allocation of limited natural resources, leading to improved sustainability in agriculture. Because of climate change, price volatility and uncertainty in the sector are expected to increase in the future, increasing the need for improved price modeling. With the emergence of machine learning (ML) algorithms, novel tools are now available to enhance the modeling of agricultural commodity prices. This research explores both univariate and multivariate ML techniques to perform probabilistic price prediction modeling for the Canadian beef industry, taking into account beef production, commodity markets, and international trade features to enhance accuracy. We model Alberta fed steer prices using three multivariate ML algorithms (support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), and Adaboost (AB)) and three univariate ML algorithms (autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA), and the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous factors (SARIMAX)). We apply these models to monthly fed steer price data between January 2005 and September 2023 and compare predicted prices with observed prices using several validation metrics. The outcomes indicate that both random forest (RF) and Adaboost (AB) show superior overall performance in accurately predicting Alberta fed steer prices in comparison to other algorithms. To better account for the variance of the best model performance, we subsequently adopted a probabilistic approach by considering uncertainty in our best-selected ML model. The beef industry can use these improved price models to minimize resource waste and inefficiency in the sector and improve the long-term sustainability prospects for beef producers in Canada. Full article

Understanding economic scenarios is crucial in all production chains. Tropical pastures are Brazil’s primary food source for beef cattle production, and current pasture management is not ideal due to land degradation. An economic evaluation assists farmers with improving pasture management using novel techniques, such as nitrogen (N) fertilization, which is straightforward and practical. The economic effects of different N fertilizer levels in beef cattle production were evaluated. This study was conducted over three years (2014/2015, 2015/2016, and 2016/2017) using four concentrations of urea fertilizer (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg N/ha). A principal component analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed using financial data. A financial pattern was observed, with increases in some variables, such as cost-effective operating and cost-total operating from those measuring costs and gross revenue, operating profit, and net income from those estimating revenues. Treatment with 180 kg N/ha fertilizer resulted in increased profitability, payback, internal rate of return, and net present value (at 6% and 12% tax) of 17.76%, 2.79 years, 35.79%, and USD 5926.03 and USD 1854.35, respectively. For this study, the main costs associated with profitability were supplementation, animal purchases, and sale prices. The best treatment to achieve excellent grazing pressure in tropical areas with oxisol is 180 kg/ha per year. Full article

Current production standards and communication campaigns about animal welfare in relation to beef strongly emphasise the “humane” rearing of cattle. Aspects such as transport and slaughtering conditions are often overlooked in both production standards and communications with consumers. Long transport routes and conventional slaughtering can cause significant stress to animals and have negative impacts on their welfare and on meat quality. On-farm slaughter can address these criticisms. Communicating the value of low-stress slaughtering conditions like on-farm slaughtering may offer significant sales potential for a premium market segment. In this study, we explore consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay for beef that is slaughtered on-farm rather than in conventional abattoirs. We conducted an online survey (n = 400) in 2022, with a sample that is representative of the German population with respect to gender, age, income and education. Our survey included a discrete choice experiment for the purchase of minced beef, incorporating product attributes that influence purchase decisions. These included: price, information on the social, economic and environmental benefits of regional production, different production standards (conventional/organic) and information on on-farm slaughtering. Our findings indicate that consumers derive the highest utility from a low price, followed by information about on-farm slaughtering. Participants indicated a preference for information on high animal welfare over high beef quality. We conclude that highlighting on-farm slaughtering could be a significant benefit in marketing premium beef products. Full article

Gaining insights into the utilization of farm-level data for decision-making within the beef industry is vital for improving production and profitability. In this study, we present a statistical model to predict the carcass weight (CW) of grass-fed beef cattle at different stages before slaughter using historical cattle data. Models were developed using two approaches: boosted regression trees and multiple linear regression. A sample of 2995 grass-fed beef cattle from 3 major properties in Northern Australia was used in the modeling. Four timespans prior to the slaughter, i.e., 1 month, 3 months, 9–10 months, and at weaning, were considered in the predictive modelling. Seven predictors, i.e., weaning weight, weight gain since weaning to each stage before slaughter, time since weaning to each stage before slaughter, breed, sex, weaning season (wet and dry), and property, were used as the potential predictors of the CW. To assess the predictive performance in each scenario, a test set which was not used to train the models was utilized. The results showed that the CW of the cattle was strongly associated with the animal’s body weight at each stage before slaughter. The results showed that the CW can be predicted with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4% (~12–16 kg) at three months before slaughter. The predictive error increased gradually when moving away from the slaughter date, e.g., the prediction error at weaning was ~8% (~20–25 kg). The overall predictive performances of the two statistical approaches was approximately similar, and neither of the models substantially outperformed each other. Predicting the CW in advance of slaughter may allow farmers to adequately prepare for forthcoming needs at the farm level, such as changing husbandry practices, control inventory, and estimate price return, thus allowing them to maximize the profitability of the industry. Full article

Global human population growth requires the consumption of more meat such as beef to meet human needs for protein intake. Cattle parasites are a constant and serious threat to the development of the beef cattle industry. Studies have shown that parasites not only reduce the performance of beef cattle, but also negatively affect the profitability of beef agriculture and have many other impacts, including contributing to the production of greenhouse gases. In addition, some zoonotic parasitic diseases may also threaten human health. Therefore, ongoing cattle parasite research is crucial for continual parasite control and the development of the beef cattle industry. Parasitism challenges profitable beef production by reducing feed efficiency, immune function, reproductive efficiency, liveweight, milk yield, calf yield and carcass weight, and leads to liver condemnations and disease transmission. Globally, beef cattle producers incur billions (US$) in losses due to parasitism annually, with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and cattle ticks causing the greatest economic impact. The enormity of losses justifies parasitic control measures to protect profits and improve animal welfare. Geographical differences in production environment, management practices, climate, cattle age and genotype, parasite epidemiology and susceptibility to chemotherapies necessitate control methods customized for each farm. Appropriate use of anthelmintics, endectocides and acaricides have widely been shown to result in net positive return on investment. Implementing strategic parasite control measures, with thorough knowledge of parasite risk, prevalence, parasiticide resistance profiles and prices can result in positive economic returns for beef cattle farmers in all sectors. Full article

Approximately 42% of the total calves born in New Zealand’s dairy industry are either euthanized on farms or commercially slaughtered as so-called bobby calves within 2 weeks of age. These practices have perceived ethical issues and are considered a waste of resources because these calves could be grown on and processed for beef. Young beef cattle harvested between 8 and 12 months of age would represent a new class of beef production for New Zealand and would allow for a greater number of calves to be utilized for beef production, reducing bobby calf numbers in New Zealand. However, the acceptance of such a system in competition with existing sheep and beef cattle production systems is unknown. Therefore, the current study employed an agent-based model (ABM) developed for dairy-origin beef cattle production systems to understand price levers that might influence the acceptance of young beef production systems on sheep and beef cattle farms in New Zealand. The agents of the model were the rearer, finisher, and processor. Rearers bought in 4-days old dairy-origin calves and weaned them at approximately 100 kg live weight before selling them to finishers. Finishers managed the young beef cattle until they were between 8 and 12 months of age in contrast to 20 to 30 months for traditional beef cattle. Processing young beef cattle in existing beef production systems without any price premium only led to an additional 5% of cattle being utilized compared to the traditional beef cattle production system in New Zealand. This increased another 2% when both weaner cattle and young beef were sold at a price premium of 10%. In this scenario, Holstein Friesian young bull contributed more than 65% of total young beef cattle. Further premium prices for young beef cattle production systems increased the proportion of young beef cattle (mainly as young bull beef), however, there was a decrease in the total number of dairy-origin cattle processed, for the given feed supply, compared to the 10% premium price. Further studies are required to identify price levers and other alternative young beef production systems to increase the number of young beef cattle as well the total number of dairy-origin beef cattle for beef on sheep and beef cattle farms. Some potential options for investigation are meat quality, retailer and consumer perspectives, and whether dairy farmers may have to pay calf rearers to utilize calves with lower growth potential. Full article

To maximize the opportunities for the small–medium scale ruminant feed industry, it is necessary to manage production planning properly, so efficiency and effectiveness are achieved by making excellent and safe feed products at the lowest cost. This study models integrating production planning with feed formulations, both with the ability to supply materials and demand for feed products that consider variations in the source of feed raw materials. The research used a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) planning model, and the output produced a mathematical model of production planning that is relevant to the planning period horizon. The model helped make optimal decisions as to what and how much to produce and then save in a monthly period. Then it determined what and how many products are currently produced. The results showed that by using an optimization model developed with existing parameters in the cooperative, it was determinable that during the production planning period in January 2022, the dairy cattle concentrate was around 300 tons, which was distributed to agent 1 as much as 70% and to agent 2 as much as 30%. Beef cattle concentrate was 350 tons, which was distributed to agent 1 as much as 65% and to agent 2 as much as 35%, with a total profit of IDR Rp.348 million. Sensitivity analysis shows that a 10–30% change in product prices would affect the amount of beef concentrate production but would not change the production of dairy cattle concentrate. Full article

Given the severe droughts caused by global warming, smallholder beef cattle farmers are faced with serious forage and feed scarcity. This becomes worse for resource-poor farmers who cannot afford commercial feeds. It is therefore crucial to assess the use of low-cost alternative feed resources to supplement free-range beef cattle and ensure sustainable livestock production in ways that stimulate free-range beef farmers’ participation in mainstream beef market. In an attempt to improve free-range beef cattle herds and explore the economic viability of utilizing Opuntia ficus-indica (spineless cactus) cladodes as a supplementary feed, we investigated the impact of cactus diets on animal growth performance and carcass characteristics of Nguni cattle heifers. Four dietary treatments were randomly assigned to thirty-two heifers aged 24 months, weighing, on average, 172.20 ± 27.10 kg, with each dietary treatment replicated to eight individually penned heifers for 90 days. The dietary treatments were control diet (pasture-based energy + protein sources), 10% cactus diet, 20% cactus diet and commercial diet (crop-based energy and commercial protein source). The energy concentration of the control diet was 9.35 MJ/Kg DM and the cactus was included on dry matter basis during formulation of compound diets. Thus, cactus was administered in a dry rather than wet form. The animals were confined in feeding pens 24/7 without access to pasture, with feed and water provided ad libitum. The heifers fed commercial and control diets attained significantly (p < 0.05) higher dry matter intake, average daily gains, fat thickness, carcass conformation scores and lower feed conversion ratio than those fed cactus diets. However, the final body weight gains and carcass weights, rib-eye muscle area and meat pH_{45min and 24h} were comparable (p > 0.05) between heifers fed cactus diets and those fed commercial and control diets. The 10 and 20% cactus diets had greater gross margins (p < 0.05) of $17.47 and $18.62, respectively, than the other diets, due largely to reduced total variable costs. The comparability of carcass traits of heifers fed cactus diets and those fed non-cactus diets as well as higher economic returns from cactus inclusion warrants the use of cactus diets, particularly during drought when commercial feed prices rise. Full article

One of the Indonesian government’s policies to achieve national beef self-sufficiency is the 1000 beef village program. The program was piloted in many cattle-farming centers involving the operation of a feed bank to supply animal feed to tackle the challenge of feed limitation during the dry season. This study evaluates the sustainability status of an ongoing feed bank program and its development strategy based on the current progress of a feed bank used to serve five groups of farmers. Ninety sustainability attributes were derived based on six dimensions. The attributes were compiled from the primary data collected using a questionnaire. Expert opinions from practitioners were also considered in evaluating the attributes. The feed bank’s sustainability status and development strategy were determined using the multi-dimensional scaling method with the rapid appraisal approach. It was found that the overall sustainability status of the feed bank was less sustainable, with an overall score of 49.55. The individual dimensions of (A) policy and government support, (B) raw material, (C) facilities and infrastructure, (D) feed bank management, (D) human resource management, (E) price, production, and (F) distribution systems posed sustainability scores of 48.48, 60.33, 48.57, 47.89, 48.76, and 44.64, respectively. Among the 90 predefined attributes, 21 were identified as highly sensitive through both the root mean square and expert opinion. Those attributes led to five main recommended development strategies: (1) strengthening the institution, (2) intensifying training, (3) increasing human resources (4) partnership developments, and (5) increasing the role of multi-stakeholders. Full article

Shaping of prices of agricultural raw materials results from the impact of a wide range of factors that influence prices in different links in the marketing chain. Political changes, especially sudden ones, which abruptly changed farming conditions, were one of the reasons for the asymmetry in price transmission. The main purpose of the paper was to estimate the trends in changes in agricultural raw materials prices in comparison to the trends in food prices in Poland in two time frames, differing in political and economic conditions: before (1999–2004) and after Poland’s accession (2005–2019) to the European Union. It was found that the accession to the EU improved the situation of farmers in agricultural markets. There was a reversal of downward price trends in agricultural raw materials and their stabilization. In the years 1995–2005, for most of the prices of agricultural raw materials and food under the analysis, the differences between the trends were not statistically significant. This situation was consistent with the model of market operating under perfect competition. The trends in the prices of wheat, rolls, and bread, as well as the prices of livestock for slaughter-pigs and roast beef were the only exceptions. In turn, in the years 2005–2019 statistically significant differences between the trends in the prices of agricultural raw materials and food were recorded for wheat, bread, and flour; milk, butter, and cottage cheese; eggs and egg retail prices; as well as livestock for slaughter, cattle, and sausages. No statistically significant differences were found for the remaining relationships of the analyzed prices of agricultural raw materials and food. These data indicate a different level of price transmission depending on the product group. Full article

The American bison (Bison bison) is iconic of the Great Plains of North America, yet the genus has had to overcome near extinction in the recent past prior to being re-established for food production. This scoping review summarizes the literature on the Plains Bison as a large ruminant species adequate for modern-day meat production in order to evaluate the species’ appropriateness as a sustainable meat source and to identify knowledge gaps hindering the sustainability evaluation of bison production. To date, we can anecdotally assume that bison husbandry could contribute to sustainability based on its positive contribution to biodiversity, physiological robustness, economically higher price per kg, and nutritive values, despite their decreased growth and performance rates compared to beef cattle. However, targeted and system-based research is required in order to unequivocally assess the sustainability of bison production in North America. Full article

Livestock production is a valuable part of US agriculture as it contributes 50% of total agricultural value. Climate change is likely a threat to livestock production, but research regarding the impact of climate change on livestock sectors is limited. This paper examines how climate change affects livestock mix and location. Specifically, we examine climate effects on grazing animals and, in particular, on beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, and sheep. We examine this in the US based on county-level data by using fractional multinomial logit econometrics. Our results show that climate is an influential determinant of where livestock herds are located and species mix. The impacts of climate vary by species and region. We also find significant influences from geographic characteristics and animal product prices. Subsequently, we project how climate change would influence future livestock mix and location. It reveals a likely growth in beef cow land shares across most of the US with the largest gains in the northwest. We also find substitutions between species as climate change progresses with dairy cows exhibiting the largest reduction. Full article

Improving reproductive efficiency is required to strengthen the production base of high-quality Wagyu beef in Japan. We developed a deterministic profit function (P) for lifetime carcass production of Japanese Black cows to calculate economic values (EVs) for representative female reproductive and carcass traits. The total calving number per cow was expressed using the age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Revenues and costs were calculated from calf market price (CaP) and carcass unit price (CUP). A cubic regression equation was developed with CaP as the response variable and calf market weight as the explanatory variable. A multiple linear regression equation was developed with CUP as the response variable and five carcass traits as explanatory variables. EVs were calculated using the first-order partial derivatives of P. The first-order partial derivative of CI was a function of CI with the quadratic term of CI in the denominator. Values of EVs for AFC and CI were negative, suggesting that earlier AFC and shorter CI increase the lifetime profit of Japanese Black cows through producing higher numbers of feeder cattle per cow. However, this might bring benefit to only calf-producing farmers. The results would contribute to achieving sustainable high-quality Wagyu beef production. Full article