Economic efficiency and productivity of life-cycle cattle raising systems were studied by simulations that differed in calving rates (CR). The study was conducted on a life-cycle cattle production system (SCC) with 87% CR, and three simulated systems: -4CR with 83% CR, -2CR with 85% CR, and +2CR with 89% CR. The SCC was based on data from a life-cycle cattle system of 3,453 animals in the South of Bahia State, from January 2000 to December 2002. CR was adjusted according to energy requirement and herd composition in SCC during three years. Meat amount sold was 149, 146, 144, and 141kg/ha/year for -4CR, -2CR, SCC, and +2CR, respectively. Accumulated profit and return on invested capital were R$ 780,695.42 and 7.8%; R$ 737,526.16 and 7.4%; R$ 727,031.52 and 7.3%; and R$ 703,907.58 and 7.0% for -4CR, -2CR, SCC, and +2CR, respectively. Calving rate variation modified the economic efficiency and productivity of simulated production systems. Economic efficiency and productivity results decreased as calving rate increased.
beef cattle; cost; profit; profitability; simulation
