CHAPA, BEEF COW/CALF HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY AUDIT, PART IV: BEEF COW/CALF BREEDING MANAGEMENT

As part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS ), USDA:APHIS:Veterinary Services conducted a national study of beef production, the Beef Cow/Calf Health and Productivity Audit (CHAPA). This study was designed to provide both participants and the industry with information on cow/calf health, productivity, and management practices. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) collaborated with USDA:APHIS:VS to select a producer sample that was statistically designed to provide inferences about the nation's cow/calf population. Data for Part IV: Beef Cow/Calf Breeding Management were collected by federal and state veterinary officers (VMO's) in 18 of the largest cow/calf producing states between July 1 and July 30, 1993. These 18 states represented 70 percent of the U.S. beef cow inventory. Sixty-four and 89 percent of operations allowed replacement heifers and cows, respectively, to graze perennial pasture during the 60 days prior to calving in 1993. Seventy and 97 percent of operations allowed replacement heifers and cows, respectively, to graze perennial pasture during the 60 days after calving in 1993. During the first 6 months of 1993, 14 percent of calves born to replacement heifers died prior to 3 weeks of age; six percent of calves born to cows died prior to 3 weeks of age. Eleven percent of calving replacement heifers required assistance via hard pull; one percent of cows required assistance via hard pull. Forty-five percent of operations that purchased, leased, or borrowed bulls added bulls older than 18 months of age or no longer considered virgin. Eighteen percent of the cows and 14 percent of the bulls on these operations tested positive for Trichomonas fetus. Forty-five percent of cows were processed twice a year for vaccination, deworming, or palpation. Contact for this paper: David Dargatz