Why Beefalo... for the Breeder (Cow/ Calf Operator)?

Most cattlemen (cow/ calf operators) have come to the realization that it's Dollars per cow and not pounds per calf that should be their goal. Those who are looking for those 700 pound weaning weights are probably not maximizing their income. Calving percentage should be number of weaned calves divided by the number of cows bred. A dead calf at birth does not add anything to the bottom line even of he would have been 700 pounds at weaning. If a cattleman weans 80 calves out of 100 bred cows and they average 550 pounds, he has 440 pounds of calf for every cow bred. If he weans 60 calves out of 100 cows bred they average 700 pounds, he has produced 420 pounds of calf for every cow bred. (The average calving percentage for the US is 67%). We know that the gestation period for the first cross (Beefalo X Bovine) varies from a few days less to a week less than Bovine. This causes these calves to have a lower birth weight and fewer calving problems. Heterogeneity in this cross provides very healthy, fast growing calves. As the Beefalo still have a higher calving rate due to fewer calving problems and Beefalo mamma cows produce higher butter fat milk and faster growing calves. In addition, Beefalo cows do well on less grain or expensive supplements than Bovine. Even if a breeder doesn't intend to take avantage of the benifits to feeders, packers, or consumers, he is still better off brereding Beefalo.