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Trade-offs between conflicting animal welfare concerns and cow replacement strategy in out-wintering Scottish suckler herds

Author

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  • Vosough Ahmadi, Bouda
  • Morgan, Colin A.
  • Stott, Alistair W.

Abstract

Since decoupling of the CAP, many Scottish suckler cow farms are facing financial difficulties. In response, many farmers are out-wintering extensively managed suckler cows to minimise production costs. These systems are of animal welfare concern. A range of trade-offs between animal welfare indicators and between animal welfare and farm profitability can be identified. A Dynamic Programming (DP) model was developed to study these trade-offs. Two herds were modelled assuming their feeding regimes were either low (LHERD) or high (HHERD). The objective of the DP was to maximise the expected net margin from a current cow and its successors over an infinite time horizon. Preliminary results showed that the rate of voluntary culling was higher in HHERD than in LHERD. Animals in HHERD had shorter life expectancy. The expected net present value was 58% lower in LHERD than HHERD (-£41.5 and - £24.3 respectively). These results suggest a heavier culling rate and shorter longevity for animals in HHERD that compromises animal welfare. Also HHERD had a greater implied stocking density than LHERD. This increase of the cows’ population may adversely affect the environment. The presented model provides some of the basic information required to explore some of the trade-offs between farm profit, animal welfare and the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Vosough Ahmadi, Bouda & Morgan, Colin A. & Stott, Alistair W., 2009. "Trade-offs between conflicting animal welfare concerns and cow replacement strategy in out-wintering Scottish suckler herds," 83rd Annual Conference, March 30 - April 1, 2009, Dublin, Ireland 51078, Agricultural Economics Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aesc09:51078
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.51078
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Azzam, Sara Melin & Kinder, J. E. & Nielsen, M. K., 1990. "Modelling reproductive management systems for beef cattle," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 103-122.
    2. Vosough Ahmadi, Bouda & Baxter, Emma M. & Stott, Alistair W. & Lawrence, Alistair & Edwards, Sandra, 2009. "Animal Welfare And Economic Optimisation Of Farrowing Systems," Working Papers 61124, Scotland's Rural College (formerly Scottish Agricultural College), Land Economy & Environment Research Group.
    3. Stott, Alistair W. & Gunn, George J. & Varo Barbudo, Antonio, 2008. "Management of reproduction in Scottish suckler herds," 82nd Annual Conference, March 31 - April 2, 2008, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK 36871, Agricultural Economics Society.
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    Livestock Production/Industries;

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