EN
Effects of basic production and economic variables on the economic outcome of cow-calf herds in Slovakia for the period 2008 to 2012 were quantified using a linear regression model. Total costs per cow per year, costs per calf sold and average daily gain of calf from birth to selling were identified as the major determinants (P<0.05) of variation in economic results among analysed herds. Annual profit per cow declined by 1.09 € and 0.80 €, respectively, per 1 € increase in the annual cost per cow and per sold calf, respectively. Among individual cost components, farm feed, depreciation of animals, other direct costs and overhead costs significantly impacted profits. A 1 g increase in average daily calf gain was associated with an increase in annual profit of 0.59 € per cow. This is related to the specific character of the cow-calf production system, in which economic outcomes are predominantly dependent upon calf production. Major determinants increasing profitability included higher weight of sold calves, lower costs per sold calf and lower costs of producing replacement heifers. Regular calculation and analysis of costs are necessary to maximise utilization of inputs and evaluate farm efficiency as objectively as possible.