Calculating the number of calves in Dynama+

Calves produced for the year are shown as “new calves” at the end of the year. If calving is towards the end of the budget year, “new calves” may include an allowance for a tail of calves unbranded or still to be born. These new calves are split into weaner heifers and weaner steers as they graduate to the start of the next budget year. Some of these “weaners” may be very young indeed, i.e. birth still expected.

If the Dynama+ herd is based on dates that place calving early to mid-year, rather than at the end of the year, it may be set to calculate calves from opening breeder numbers.

Calculations beneath Table 7 in the Dynama worksheet for cows mated and kept to calve, and total cows mated for “new calves” produced, are used to calculate “weaning rate on cows kept” and “weaning rate on all cows mated”.

If breeder numbers are thrown out by choice of budget year or sales after mating, the “cows mated” numbers can be overridden to ensure correct weaning % outcomes. These rates are for display only, so the adjustment is strictly optional.