•The Beef Industry

The Beef IndustryThe average size beef herd is around 100 head.

The Beef Industry

Sire Breeds-Traits are characteristics of bulls rather than cows.Breeds of agricultural animals that are used as sire in a crossbreeding program.

Dam Breeds-Traits are characteristics of cows rather than bulls.Breeds of agricultural animals that are used as dams in a crossbreeding program.

The beef industryIn the US there are over forty

different breeds as well as many crosses of these breeds.

The beef industryBreeds of beef cattle are

broken into three categories or groups

British- Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn,

these were the first breeds brought into this country, they represent the largest segment of the beef industry.

Continental

Limousin, Simmental, Charolais, Chianina, desired for their size and ability to grow

American BreedsScientifically classified as

Bos indicus, the most common type of American Breed is the Braham.

American Breeds Other breeds developed

form this line include; Brangus,Santa Gertrudis and Beefmaster.

4 Major Segments:purebred operationscow-calf operationsstocker operationsfeedlot operations

Purebred operationsPurpose is to produce seed

stock cattle. These cattle are used as the dams and sires of the calves that will be grown to market weight.

Purebred operationsGrowing purebred stock allows

breeders to concentrate on improving an accentuating the advantages of a particular breed.

Cow-Calf operations:Most calves produced are

crossbreeds from purebred parents of different breeds.

Cow-Calf operations:Much of this industry is

centered in the southern and western states, however, cow-calf operations are found all across the country.

Cow-Calf operations:In the west it is common to

leave cows on free range-not fenced in until calving, at weaning time all stock is rounded up for the calves to be sold.

Cow-Calf operationsCalves are usually sold at

weaning weight, around 500 pounds. Buyers prefer calves that have been castrated and vaccinated and are in good condition.

Stocker operations:Provide a step between the

weaning of calves and the finishing or fattening of the animals prior to slaughter.

Stocker operations Weaned calves are placed on

pasture and fed a ration to allow for skeletal and muscular growth. Before calves are sold to a feedlot for finishing they must be physically mature.

Feedlot operations:Many feedlot operators are

also stockers. Final phase before the animals are sent to slaughter.

Feedlot operations Animals are fed a highly

concentrated ration which is designed to put the proper amount of fat cover on the animals.

Feedlot operations Producers usually want

sufficient fat cover to allow the animals to grade low choice.

Feedlot operation:Feedlots range in size from

feeding fewer than 100 head to those feeding thousands of head each year.

Feedlot operationWhen animals reach the proper

degree of finish, they are sold to slaughter. Usually around 18 to 24 months, weighing 800 to 1500 pounds depending on breed and body type.