Beef Cattle Management

Seedstock Producers cow-calf producers which produce breeding stock for purebred or commercial operations Cow/Calf Operations generally use purebred breeding stock in crossbreeding programs to produce commercial offspring Stocker Operations purchase weanling calves from cow/calf producers and feed them out on pasture land Feedlots a segment of the beef cattle industry whose sole purpose is to feed and fatten cattle Beef Packers harvest finished cattle which are purchased from feedlots and other outlets Consumer Truly the final segment of the beef industry. Why we do it!

Nutrition Cattle 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. Safety 2. 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 Animals There 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.

Estrus Also 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 Dehorning Implants Ear tags Tattoo Brand 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