Beef Cattle BasicsVeterinary Science

Terminology Cow – Female cattle – has had a calf Heifer – Young female cattle Bull – Male cattle used for breeding Steer – Castrated Male – Used for Meat Calf – Newborn of either sex Calving – Process of cow giving birth Bovine – latin term for Cattle

Anatomy

Life Cycle Calf is Born – Bull Calf or Heifer Calf

Weight: 50-100 Pounds (80 lb. average) Spring or Fall Calving 1 calf per gestation – occasionally twins Gestation Period – 280 Days

Calf grows and develops Cow lactates and provides milk for calf Begin to consume “creep” feed – high protein

ration Weaning:

Generally 6 – 8 months of age Feeder calf weighs 400 – 700 lbs (500 lb. average)

Calf Care The Calf needs some basic care:

Colostrum Navel dip Castrate Dehorn Vaccinations ID – Tag/Brand/Ect Age of any of these may vary

Some calves need assistance for the “birthing” process – “Pulling” the calf.” “Calving Ease” and using bulls that produce smaller

calves for heifers and smaller framed cows

Feeder Calves Feeder Calves generally move to a new “stage”

of production. Two routes for feeders:

Feedlot High energy grain based diet Reach market weight at approx. 15 months age

Stocker Low energy roughage diet At 1 year of age, move to feedlot “Finished” on a high energy diet Reach market weight at 1.5 – 2 years age

Breeding Cattle Heifers and bulls selected for breeding use can

follow a different route. Wean at the typical time (6 – 8 months) Heifers will consume a low energy diet

At 15 months, they will be mature and bred Continue low energy diet during gestation Produce first offspring at 24 months of age

Bulls High energy diet and fast growth At 12 months age, begin as a service (breeding)

animal