The effect of different calving seasons on animal performance and feed requirements in the Highland Sourveld

Introduction The use of a restricted breeding season is the most common management practice in most commercial beef herds in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the sourveld areas. It has been stated that the advantages of using seasonal calving includes · simplified management, · the monitoring of conception rates is facilitated, · performance testing is improved by having larger comparison groups, · calves can be sold in uniform age groups, · bull producers can adapt calving season so that bulls reach a marketable age prior to a breeding season · and the feed requirements of a herd can be matched to fodder production. Consequently it is said that calving season is the hub round which a beef enterprise revolves. Although a three to four month calving season to take place in spring or early summer is usually advised, there have been many questions as to the best time for breeding and consequently calving to take place.