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period for the different breeds in the
specific price scenario of 2015. Brahman,
Afrikaner and Bonsmara had a profit max
imising feeding period of 112, 105 and
112 days respectively. A profit maximising
feeding period of 147 and 154 days was cal
culated for Simbra and Angus.
An unexpected long profit maximising feed
ing period of 189 and 182 days was deter
mined for Simmentaler and Limousin. The
average standard feeding period in most
South African feedlots is 133 days. Conse
quently Brahman, Afrikaner and Bonsmara
must be fed shorter than the average, were
Simbra and Angus have to be fed longer
and Simmentaler and Limousin even longer.
Graph 4
shows the profit maximising feed
ing period model result.
Conclusion
Referring to the definition of precision agri
culture, an additional 6% in gross profit can
be realised by using the profit maximising
feeding period model. This can have a sig
nificant influence on feedlot profitability.
The genetic potential of each breed was de
termined and used in combination with vari
able market prices to determine the profit
maximising feeding period. For this reason
management in terms of slaughter criteria
must be changed where the profit maximis
ing feeding period model is concerned con
sidered.
This way an animal’s genetic potential will
be utilised optimally, the price variation risk
will be addressed and decreased, and re
sources and feed will be utilised optimally
to produce beef.
Graph 3: Feed conversion for different beef breeds.
Graph 4: Graphic representation of the profit maximising feeding period.