Beef Cattle Management

Seedstock Producers• cow-calf producers which produce breeding stock for purebred or

commercial operationsCow/Calf Operations• generally use purebred breeding stock in crossbreeding programs

to produce commercial offspringStocker Operations• purchase weanling calves from cow/calf producers and feed them

out on pasture landFeedlots• a segment of the beef cattle industry whose sole purpose is to feed

and fatten cattleBeef Packers• harvest finished cattle which are purchased from feedlots and other

outletsConsumer• Truly the final segment of the beef industry. Why we do it!

NutritionCattle are ruminant animals (have a 4 compartment stomach).

Because of this they need to feed on roughages (high in fiber) as well as some concentrates (feed high in energy and low in fiber)

The mixture of this feedstuff given in a 24 hour period that provides a balanced diet containing high amounts of energy and protein needed for optimum growth of the animal is called a ration.

The science that deals with the feed and their effects on health is called Nutrition.

FIRST LIMITING NUTRITIENT

WATER

Behavior

Understanding the behavior of an animal is very important.

One of the most important things to know is the “Flight Zone” which is the cattle’s safety zone.

Two functions of a beef facility should be to provide:1. Safety2. Ease to people and safety and control of cattle.

Handling

• Avoid sudden movements• Keep calm and relaxed around cattle

• Refer to Temple Grandin’s methods of animal observation.

Providing a Proper Facility

• Confined-Avoid square corners in alleys or corrals. The shadowing

may scare cattle• Unconfined

Pasture-Depending upon the pasture and the type of cattle

operation, a pasture can be fenced with electric wire, barbed wire, or solid fencing.

-Must be provided with mineral supplement.-Pasture poisoning consists of magnesium deficiency

Health

Weight Loss-Internal parasites adhere to the wall of the

intestines and use nutrients that would otherwise be used by the animal

-Inadequate nutrition

Selecting an AnimalsThere are a number of reasons you would “select an

animal”. The two most significant reasons are:1. Culling (selecting for breeding stock)2. Market (selecting for future meat)

• This selection process may use the Body Condition Score (a number which describes the level of flesh or fat an animal possesses: best is five)

• Or for culling you may use the Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) (a number estimate of breeding potential for characteristics such as gain, muscling and maternal and carcass traits)

Culling

If a male animal is to be used for breeding you would keep that animal “intact”

If a male animal is to be used for meat you would castrate that animal or remove their testicles.

Soundness (structural correctness) is a top priority in evaluating breeding cattle as it is essential for their survival in grazing conditions.

Preparing Female

• When preparing the female you need to be prepared or knowledgeable about estrus, which is defined as a regularly occurring state of sexual receptivity during which the female will accept the male and is when ovulation takes place.

EstrusAlso known are “Standing Heat”

Happens every 21 days for 3 days.

Signs of Estrus:- Enlarged Vulva- Standing for mount- Mucus discharge- Restlessness- Rubbed tail- Decreased feed intake

Selling Breeding Seed

Embryo transfer- where the eggs of a superior donor cow are flushed and collected, fertilized and placed in another cow.

Semen Collection- semen is collected in order to perform artificial insemination, where the semen is placed in the cow to impregnate her

Gestation• This is defined as the period of pregnancy in

animals, or the time from conception to birth.

• Cattle gestation periods last 285 days.

• At the end of gestation is Parturition which is the process of giving birth.

• This is an important time in order to avoid Dystocia (trouble giving birth)

Calf Nutrition

When the calf is born it is important that they receive colostrum with in first hours of live.

Colostrum is filled with antibodies from the cow, and paves the road for the future health, immunity and survival of the calf

Calves should be vaccinated against bacterial diseases known as clostridial diseases at two to four months of age, then receive a booster shot at weaning (8-10 months old)

Preparation• Identification– Ear tags– Tattoo– Brand

• Dehorning– Horns are a defense mechanism for cattle. Dehorning may

be safer for handlers.

• Implants– Slow releases pellet which are inserted under the skin, in

the ear, and contain protein anabolic steroids

Management

• Solid Manure is disposed of by applying the manure to the land for fertilization.

• Runoff is collected in holding ponds• Dust is controlled in feedlots by watering

feedlots surfaces.• Mounds are provided in feedlots pens to

provide a dry place for cattle to stand, help improve drainage, provide a windbreak