Use of Performance Ratios to Calculate The Economic Impact of Thin Cows in Beef Cattle Herds

Nutrition is the foundation of optimal livestock health and productivity. Veterinarians who provide consultation to beef herds make recommendations on nutrition programs to supply nutrients that meet animal requirements. Ranchers are often reluctant to implement recommendations to feed their cattle properly because feed costs are their greatest annual expense and they are uncertain of the economic outcome of increased feed costs vs improved herd performance. Many studies have been done on the reduced performance of cattle associated with poor body condition due to inadequate intakes of energy and/or protein. Thin cows are less productive than cows in good body condition due to: 1) lower pregnancy rates; 2) lower weaning weights of their calves; and 3) lower survivability of their calves.