The influence of birth number of gestation length, total calf birth and weaning weights, lactation yield, and cow fed intake during both the dry and lactating periods were examined.
Twin-bearing cows had their gestation length shortened by 6.4 d (2%); yielded 25.5 (59) and 186.0 kg (73%) more weight of calf at birth and weaning, respectively; had lactation yield and lactation feed intake increased by 25 and 20%, respectively; and had precalving (dry) period feed intake no different from their single-bearing counterparts (P = .12).
Postweaning growth was not different for single and twin calves (P = .50); twin gain, relative to initial size, was higher.
Feedlot feed intake of twins was 85% of that for singletons (P = .20).
Twins were 90% of singleton live weight at slaughter and yielded 93% of singleton hot carcass weight (P = .12).
Twins were slightly older and significantly leaner at slaughter.
Returns less feed costs showed twin births to be associated with increased profit for cow-calf programs.
Returns less feed and overhead costs were higher for twin calves than for singles in the feedlot.