SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Parameter category Key measurements Contribution to production efficiency and profitability Animal performance • Average Daily Gain (ADG) • Weaning weights • Days to auction Directly influences growth efficiency and turnover. Faster growth reduces time on veld and supplementation costs, improving profit per animal. Reproductive efficiency • Conception rate • Days to conception (open days) • Calving/lambing percentage • Calving/lambing interval A primary profit driver in extensive systems. Small improvements result in more animals weaned per year, significantly increasing income without increasing herd size. Nutritional efficiency • Supplement intake and re- sponse • Grazing utilisation Ensures optimal use of natural resources. Prevents under- or over-supplementation, reducing feed costs while maintaining performance. Animal health and welfare • Morbidity and mortality rates • Parasite burden • Behavioural indicators Early detection reduces losses and treatment costs. Healthier animals convert feed more efficiently and maintain reproductive performance. Grazing & environmental indicators • Camp utilisation • Biomass availability • Rainfall and seasonal trends Enables better stocking rate and veld management decisions, improving long-term sustainability and production per hectare. Table 2: Data to collect for extensive systems Parameter category Key measurements Contribution to production efficiency and profitability Animal performance • Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) • Average Daily Gain (ADG) • Days to market/slaughter • Dressing percentage Core profitability drivers in feedlots. Improved FCR and ADG reduce feed cost per kg gain and shorten feeding periods, directly increasing margins. Kilograms of carcass sold are what customers are paid for; an increase in dressing percentage improves income and profit Background phase • Structural growth • Prefeedlot growth performance Improved background performance leads to more efficient finishing and improved overall system profitability. Nutritional efficiency • Dry Matter Intake (DMI) • Feed intake patterns • Diet response Precise feed management reduces wastage and optimises rumen function, improving feed efficiency and lowering cost per kg gain. Animal health and welfare • Morbidity and mortality rates • Treatment frequency • Behavioural indicators (intake, activity) Early detection reduces treatment costs and performance setbacks. Sick animals have poor FCR, increasing the cost of production. Environmental & operational indicators • Pen utilisation • Feed bunk management • Climate/heat stress conditions Efficient facility use and stress management improve intake, Table 3: Data to collect for intensive systems www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2026 BONUS 155