Breedcow+

Summary

The Breedcow+ program is used to develop strategies, snapshots or alternative futures for beef breeding enterprises operated under extensive conditions. It allows the comparison of different management or turnoff systems of a beef herd with lots of scope for “what if” scenarios.

The aim of the Breedcow+ program is to develop a representation of the current herd structure and gross margin with a view to evaluating suggestions for improvement. Evaluating change requires comparing the herd as it is against the herd as it might be if alternative turnoff strategies, nutrition, husbandry or genetics were implemented.

The program calculates a steady state herd structure based on brandings, deaths and sales and calculates herd profit (gross margin) for each choice under consideration. It takes an average view of likely profitability over time based on a manager’s expectation of prices and animal performance under the scenario chosen.

Breedcow+ is used to compare potential, future alternative steady states for the operation of a beef cattle herd. Analyses to consider the implementation of a change over time can be undertaken in Dynama+.

Using the Breedcow+ program

The program is located with the [Breedcow and Dynama Software], within the Tools tab, which can be accessed after registering or logging in to use the free software.

• A new scenario can be created by naming the scenario in the yellow name bar and clicking the Save button. This scenario or previously created scenarios can be edited by clicking the Open button.
• To open an example scenario click the Copy button beside the example scenario and it will be copied into your scenario list where it can be opened as your own scenario.
• A scenario can be shared with another user by clicking the Share button then entering in the email address for the user you wish to share it with. Note that this must be the email they have used to register their account with at https://breedcowdynama.com.au the shared scenario will appear in their scenarios list for the relevant program.

Breedcow+ scenario list

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Entering data in Breedcow+

Breedcow+ is a good place to start the herd modelling process even when the main target is to build a cash flow budget in Dynama+. The current herd model and future herd targets can be relatively quickly modelled and then transferred to Dynama+ for modification with the current herd numbers and structure.

The Breedcow+ program is comprised of the Growth Path (although note this is housed separately in the main Tools page), AE Calc, Prices, Huscosts and Breedcow worksheets. In addition, there are 2 more worksheets which show workings (Preg Test) and Results. Each worksheet is accessed by clicking on the tab at the top of the webpage. Entering data in the worksheets is best undertaken by following a logical sequence of steps. The following order is suggested:

Step 1. Growth Path

Step 2. AE Calc

Step 3. Prices

Step 4. Huscosts

Step 5. Breedcow

To assist new users through the initial steps of compiling a herd model, an example Breedcow+ scenario has been provided with the program. It is based on a central Queensland breeding and fattening beef cattle property that currently runs about 580 breeders and sells steers between three to four years old. This scenario is called Breedcowplus user manual base herd.

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For more detailed explanation on the principles behind the Breedcow+ program and its assumptions go to Breedcow+ assumptions.

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