In 2024, the temporary breeding of heifers and cows was consolidated in Cien Leguas and La Porteña orchards, reaching 1,400 mother cows, which represents a significant growth compared to 2023, when there were 950 mother cows.
The temporary breeding model maximizes the productive lifespan of animals and improves their final weight, while making a key contribution: new calves that strengthen the rearing establishments and boost the overall productivity of the operation.
“This is a unique way of working in the region, which favors reproduction by means of pastoral rearing, a hormonal treatment, an artificial insemination service and a review with bulls during the estrus season,” said Daniel Navarro, Livestock Farming Manager.
Thanks to the implementation of rearing systems in November 2024, part of the replacement heifers reached between 60% and 65% of their adult weight at an early age. at an early age. This allowed us to bring forward their pregnancy from the traditional 24 months to 15-18 months, generating a positive impact on reproductive efficiency.
Two selection terms
The females meant for temporary breeding are initially selected from among calves entering a rearing field, prioritizing those with optimal meat and maternal conditions. When they reach 350 kilograms, these calves are considered heifers and get pregnant. Once they are pregnant, they become temporary pregnant heifers within the same system, continuing their development and weight gain during pregnancy. When the cycle is completed, they deliver a calf, thus achieving the efficient production of a mother and its calf.
After breastfeeding, which lasts six to seven months, the animals are separated: the mother enters a completion, fattening and discarding phase, while the calf is incorporated into the rearing field.
Secondly, temporary breeding is complemented with empty adult breeding cows, which make up about 20% of the females. In a traditional system, these cows would be discarded, but this approach gives them a new opportunity to become pregnant, provided they meet maternal and meat conditions.
Fast weight gain
For female calves, this system allows them to gain weight at an accelerated rate as they breed, reaching approximately 480 kilograms at the end of the process, which represents an increase of almost 130 kilograms since the beginning of temporary breeding. This reproductive approach allows us to generate our own new animals for rearing, optimizing our processes.
Temporary breeding is an innovative strategy within the livestock farming model for Agroganadera del NOA. This system integrates advanced knowledge and continuous monitoring, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable production.
“Committed to continuous improvement, through multiple tests and adjustments, we have managed to identify and define the best time, weight, treatment and type of animal for temporary breeding. This accumulated knowledge now gives us the ability to scale up the model with confidence and efficiency,” added Navarro.
The decision on how many animals to retain every year depends on forage availability, a key variable to ensure the success of the system.
2025: Scaling up to a more efficient and sustainable livestock farming practice
The goal is clear: to increase the number of head incorporated into this system every year, promoting calf production in a sustainable manner. This strategy strengthens the development of a more efficient and modern livestock farming practice, while reaffirming Grupo Lucci’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the sector.