Production costs and economic indicators in the complete cycle of crossbred dairy calves

Abstract

Abstract The complete rearing cycle of dairy calves is not yet widely adopted by rural producers, possibly because they do not perceive these animals as potential meat producers or are unaware of their production capabilities. This study aimed to assess the economic viability of rearing dairy calves through their entire growth cycle. Sixteen Holstein × Gyr crossbred animals were assessed, originating from dairy farming, with an average initial weight of 40.67 ± 5.27 kg and slaughtered at 10 months of age, reaching a final weight of 320.4 ± 45.87 kg. These calves were reared in a feedlot system and received a mash diet without the inclusion of roughage. The experiment was conducted on a farm primarily focused on dairy farming, situated in the municipality of Turvânia, GO, Brazil. Economic evaluations were conducted at the conclusion of the production cycle, with the calculation of the value of the arroba (@ = 15 kg) produced. Data were analyzed using a production cost structure methodology, which included effective operating cost, total operating cost, and total cost. The following economic indicators were examined: gross revenue, gross margin, net margin, and the break-even point. Results were highly promising, demonstrating a profit from raising dairy male calves, with a net margin per animal of BRL 321.50. Additionally, these animals displayed noteworthy potential for weight gain and carcass quality. A total of 149.19 @ were produced, averaging 9.32 @ per animal, with a production cost of BRL 105.52, encompassing expenses such as milk consumption, concentrate diet, and labor, which amounted to BRL 1.18 per month per animal. These findings underscore the economic feasibility of this rearing system.