“1st cycle conception is up 20% this year at 75%. Calves sold for $2.20/lb and had ADG of 1.74 lbs!” …Read more below!
Cows were started on the Rio program in December of 2015. Cows stay on Rio tubs until around June when they get turned out on big range and then are back on Rio tubs again in about September. Historically 1st cycle conception was 55% and since being on Rio has been improving, and in 2017 75% of the 151 cows calved in the first cycle. This is an increase of 30 extra calves in the first cycle. Average birth weight is 80 lbs and average weaning weight for 2017 was 550 lbs in 270 days for an average daily gain of 1.74 lbs/hd/day. Calves sold for $2.20/lb when sold on November 4th. The total extra income from the 30 extra calves which gained 1.74 lbs/hd/day for an extra 21 days was $2,413.00!! During this time on the Rio program a huge decrease in in the amount of scour cases and an improvement in overall calf health was observed.