The feasibility of autumn based "Once Bred Heifer" systems on traditional sheep and beef farms: a study using linear programming as a modelling tool

Abstract

This study investigates whether it is feasible to incorporate an autumn based Once-bred heifer System (AOBH) into a conventional sheep and beef farm and by doing so make this farm more profitable. This is in response to what is appearing to be a consistent reduction in the New Zealand beef cow herd which is resulting in potential markets for prime beef unable to be filled. If the AOBH system is viable then it could go some way to meeting the need for extra prime animals to feed into New Zealand prime beef finishing systems. The tool used to achieve this aim were a Linear Programme built up to include key aspects of a model sheep and beef farm and which was designed to show the mix for a livestock system, from those options provided. The “Default Farm” made up as was conceived to be a high producing East Coast farm with a ewe flock achieving up to 144% lambing, hoggets mated and lambed and all lamb progeny sold prime. The cattle on the farm are from a self replacing beef herd with progeny given the option through the programme to be sold or utilised in a number of ways i.e. sold as weaners, 10 months of age or as 20 months animals or in the case of the heifers in addition to the above also to join a spring based Once Bred Heifer herd (OBH) or a AOBH herd. In the course of doing the research issues regarding how useful L.Ps are and what their usefulness to New Zealand farming systems was also considered and evaluated.