Industry initiatives to improve young breeder performance in the Northern Territory

Summary

This project was undertaken to assess and improve heifer performance in the Northern Territory (NT) cattle industry. This was done through performance recording, research and demonstration of different heifer management practices on commercial properties and surveying cattle managers. The performance recording found that pregnancy rates were generally adequate in maiden heifers (>75%) but were often very low (< 20%) in first calf heifers due to low liveweights between calving and weaning. However, where first calf heifers were in good condition at this time high pregnancy rates (> 70%) were achieved. Calf loss in first calf heifers was often high (> 30%) and averaged 23%. 
The surveys showed that managers tend to over-estimate first calf heifer fertility and under-estimate calf loss. Also they are mostly aware of the main issues affecting heifer fertility and are open to changing their management practices to improve heifer performance. This project showed that not only is there considerable room for improvement of first calf heifer fertility on NT properties, but also that improvement is achievable. Economic analysis showed that a 30% increase in first calf heifer re-conception rates would likely result in an increased annual gross margin of $10.95 million for the NT pastoral industry.