Beef Cattle Science and Management

Beef Cattle Science and Beef Cattle Science and ManagementManagement

Animal ScienceAnimal Science

Mr. BushmanMr. Bushman

Introduction to BeefIntroduction to Beef

The cow-calf industry invests $180 billion The cow-calf industry invests $180 billion dollars into the national economy each dollars into the national economy each year.year.The total number of beef cows in the The total number of beef cows in the United States is 33.7 millionUnited States is 33.7 million38% of the total income from all livestock 38% of the total income from all livestock marketing in the US comes from the beef marketing in the US comes from the beef industry.industry.


Most of the beef eaten in the US comes from Most of the beef eaten in the US comes from domestic productiondomestic production

Region/State % of U.S. Beef Cow Herd


Pacific Coast Washington .86 Oregon 1.82 California 2.40 Total 5.08

Intermountain West Montana 4.58 Idaho 1.45 Wyoming 2.39 Utah 1.01 Colorado 2.42 Arizona .64 Nevada .71 New Mexico 1.52 Total 14.71

Introduction to BeefIntroduction to BeefRegion/State % of U.S. Beef

Cow Herd Region/State % of U.S. Beef

Cow Herd

Western Midwest North Dakota 2.59 South Dakota 4.63 Nebraska 5.73 Kansas 4.33 Oklahoma 5.83 Texas 16.38 Total 39.5

Eastern Midwest Minnesota 1.19 Iowa 2.85 Wisconsin .59 Michigan .35 Illinois 1.41 Missouri 5.91 Indiana .89 Ohio .98 Total 14.2

Introduction to BeefIntroduction to BeefRegion/State % of U.S. Beef

Cow Herd Region/State % of U.S. Beef

Cow Herd Southeast Arkansas 2.72 Louisiana 1.63 Mississippi 1.98 Kentucky 3.38 Tennessee 3.22 Alabama 2.44 Georgia 2.05 Florida 3.00 South Carolina .74 North Carolina 1.41 Virginia 2.14 West Virginia .57 Total 25.3

New England Maine .05 Vermont .04 New Hampshire .006 Massachusetts .02 Rhode Island .004 Connecticut .015 New Jersey .04 New York .21 Pennsylvania .51 Delaware .009 Maryland .16 Total 1.1

Introduction to BeefIntroduction to BeefRegion/State % of U.S. Beef Cow Herd


Alaska .012 Hawaii .24

The largest percent of beef cows produced is in The largest percent of beef cows produced is in the Western Midwest states, with 39.5% of the the Western Midwest states, with 39.5% of the 33.7 million beef cows being produced33.7 million beef cows being produced

This is due to the prime location near feedsThis is due to the prime location near feeds– Don’t have to ship feed as farDon’t have to ship feed as far

Beef IntroductionBeef Introduction

Question, lets do some math!Question, lets do some math!– If there are 33.7 million beef cows produced in the US If there are 33.7 million beef cows produced in the US

each year, how many come from the mid-western each year, how many come from the mid-western region?region?

Beef IntroductionBeef Introduction

Question, lets do some more math!Question, lets do some more math!– So, how many beef cows are produced So, how many beef cows are produced

in the Utah region?in the Utah region?


The beef industry is divided into three The beef industry is divided into three segments:segments:– Purebred ProducersPurebred Producers– Cow-calf ProducersCow-calf Producers– Feeder Calf ProducersFeeder Calf Producers

These segments are all equally important!These segments are all equally important!One cant survive with out the other.One cant survive with out the other.

Purebred SegmentPurebred Segment

Provide replacement bulls and females for cow-Provide replacement bulls and females for cow-calf operations.calf operations.Their main goal in life is to better the genetics Their main goal in life is to better the genetics of the breed.of the breed.A great deal of knowledge is needed to be a A great deal of knowledge is needed to be a successful Purebred producersuccessful Purebred producer– GeneticsGenetics– Gestation periodsGestation periods– Record keeping skillsRecord keeping skills

Purebred SegmentPurebred Segment

Advantages:Advantages:– Involved with perfecting the genetics and Involved with perfecting the genetics and

traits of a particular breedtraits of a particular breed– Stock usually will sell for a higher dollarStock usually will sell for a higher dollar

Disadvantages:Disadvantages:– Time consumingTime consuming– CostlyCostly– Takes experienceTakes experience

Cow-Calf SegmentCow-Calf Segment

Primary goal:Primary goal:– To produce a the heaviest calves possible at To produce a the heaviest calves possible at

the time of weaning (205 days)the time of weaning (205 days)


Feeds used in the cow-calf segmentFeeds used in the cow-calf segmentRoughagesRoughages– PasturePasture– HayHay– SilageSilage– StrawStraw– CorncobsCorncobs– And Alfalfa, being the most commonAnd Alfalfa, being the most common


ForagesForages– Feed that grown for livestock consumptionFeed that grown for livestock consumption– Grazing should be used as much as possibleGrazing should be used as much as possible– Grazing is not possible year round, so Grazing is not possible year round, so

mechanical harvesting takes placemechanical harvesting takes placeSwatherSwatherBalerBalerCombineCombineBale wagon, etc…Bale wagon, etc…


Pasture and Hay LandPasture and Hay Land– Proper management of pastures increases Proper management of pastures increases

the yield of forages harvestedthe yield of forages harvested– Too many cows being fed on a small amount Too many cows being fed on a small amount

of land will be detrimental to the forage cropof land will be detrimental to the forage crop

Rotational GrazingRotational Grazing– Rotating the livestock from field to field when Rotating the livestock from field to field when

the feed has been depletedthe feed has been depleted


Crop Residues:Crop Residues:– Example – Corn, Barley, etc…Example – Corn, Barley, etc…– Reduce feed costsReduce feed costs tremendouslytremendously

The Carrying CapacityThe Carrying Capacity of a pasture refers to the of a pasture refers to the number of animals that can be grazed on a number of animals that can be grazed on a pasture during a certain time periodpasture during a certain time period

Cow-Calf SegmentCow-Calf SegmentHay Bales:Hay Bales:– Harvested and tightly compacted foragesHarvested and tightly compacted forages

Round – Forage that is rolled into balesRound – Forage that is rolled into balesTon – Baled in to 2000 lb rectanglesTon – Baled in to 2000 lb rectangles½ ton – Baled into 1000 lb rectangles½ ton – Baled into 1000 lb rectanglesHand bales – Baled into 50 – 100 lb rectanglesHand bales – Baled into 50 – 100 lb rectangles


Hay BalesHay Bales– Must be harvested with the right moisture Must be harvested with the right moisture

contentcontentSpontaneous combustionSpontaneous combustion

– Stored under shed if possible to protect from;Stored under shed if possible to protect from;Sun damage – Sun will bleach the hay and Sun damage – Sun will bleach the hay and decrease the qualitydecrease the qualityWater damage – Water will seep into the hay, form Water damage – Water will seep into the hay, form mold and decrease the qualitymold and decrease the quality


Dry Cow:Dry Cow:– With-out young With-out young – Not lactatingNot lactating

HeifersHeifers– Young and never Young and never

had a calfhad a calf

Pregnant CowPregnant Cow– In gestationIn gestation– LactatingLactating

http://www.titanfarm.com/images/Noel1.jpg


During the summer months cattle are During the summer months cattle are grazinggrazingDuring the winter months cattle have to be During the winter months cattle have to be fed, alfalfa, grass or silagefed, alfalfa, grass or silageWhere do you think most of the expenses Where do you think most of the expenses come from, winter feeding or summer come from, winter feeding or summer grazing?grazing?


Lactation:Lactation:– The ability to produce milkThe ability to produce milk– Very important in the Cow-Calf segmentVery important in the Cow-Calf segment– Milk is what produces the calfMilk is what produces the calf

Summer grazing can usually meet the Summer grazing can usually meet the requirements neededrequirements neededWinter can be more challengingWinter can be more challengingFeed rations need to be developedFeed rations need to be developed


Creep FeedingCreep Feeding– Providing the calves with additional feedProviding the calves with additional feed– Usually grainUsually grain– Must introduce the grain slowlyMust introduce the grain slowlyAdvantagesAdvantages– Produces a 30-70 lb heavier calf at weaningProduces a 30-70 lb heavier calf at weaning– Better finish at weaningBetter finish at weaning– Already used to grain when they go to the Already used to grain when they go to the

feedlot segmentfeedlot segment


Creep FeedingCreep FeedingDisadvantagesDisadvantages– $$$$ Cost$$$$ Cost– Hard to evaluate inherited feed abilitiesHard to evaluate inherited feed abilities– Replacement heifers could be too fatReplacement heifers could be too fat– Studies show that calves on creep don’t gain Studies show that calves on creep don’t gain

as well at the feedlot.as well at the feedlot.


Replacement HeifersReplacement Heifers– To replace the females that die or become too To replace the females that die or become too

old to produce youngold to produce young– Usually 10-12% of the herd will need to be Usually 10-12% of the herd will need to be

replaced each yearreplaced each yearIf you have 300 head you will need to keep 30 If you have 300 head you will need to keep 30 replacement heifersreplacement heifersIf you have 25 head you will need to keep 2-3 head If you have 25 head you will need to keep 2-3 head of replacement heifers.of replacement heifers.


Breeding BullsBreeding Bulls– They are mean, they are big and they are a They are mean, they are big and they are a

royal pain in the buttroyal pain in the buttBut, we need them!But, we need them!

Unlike cows that we maintain in the winter, Unlike cows that we maintain in the winter, bulls need to be fattened and have good bulls need to be fattened and have good flesh when breeding season begins, Why?flesh when breeding season begins, Why?


Breeding ManagementBreeding Management– Most important part in the cow-calf segmentMost important part in the cow-calf segment– Goal is to have 100% calf cropGoal is to have 100% calf crop– We achieve this byWe achieve this by

Placing 1 bull to every 25 cowsPlacing 1 bull to every 25 cowsSo, if we have 300 head we would need 12 bullsSo, if we have 300 head we would need 12 bulls

– Beef managers need to understand the Beef managers need to understand the gestation period of their herd.gestation period of their herd.


Gestation period of cattleGestation period of cattle– There are two times of the year that beef are There are two times of the year that beef are

being produced due their gestation periodbeing produced due their gestation periodFall CalvesFall CalvesSpring CalvesSpring Calves

– Fall calves are born beginning in February, so Fall calves are born beginning in February, so the cows would be bread May 1the cows would be bread May 1stst (Most (Most Common)Common)

– Spring Calves are born in November, so they Spring Calves are born in November, so they would be bred in March (Not Common)would be bred in March (Not Common)


CastrationCastration– Removing the testeis from the maleRemoving the testeis from the male

Done two different waysDone two different ways– SurgicallySurgically

Can make sure that both testicles are removedCan make sure that both testicles are removedCan be bloody if done incorrectly, and get infectionCan be bloody if done incorrectly, and get infection

– ElasticationElasticationInvolves no blood, still can get infectionInvolves no blood, still can get infectionCould miss a testicle that has not dropped yet.Could miss a testicle that has not dropped yet.


SteerSteer– Bull that’s been castratedBull that’s been castrated– Very common in cow-calf operationsVery common in cow-calf operations– Needs to be done at a younger ageNeeds to be done at a younger age– Bulls have to be castrated before they can Bulls have to be castrated before they can

move on to the feedlot segmentmove on to the feedlot segmentKeeps them from fighting and losing weightKeeps them from fighting and losing weightThey will grow, finish and taste betterThey will grow, finish and taste better


DehorningDehorning– Removing the horns from the animalRemoving the horns from the animal– Why we dehornWhy we dehorn

Bring less money if they still have hornsBring less money if they still have hornsLess space needed in feedlot and truckLess space needed in feedlot and truckLess chance of harming another animalLess chance of harming another animalLess damage to facilitiesLess damage to facilities

PolledPolled– Bred not to have hornsBred not to have horns


DehorningDehorning– Should be dehorned at a young ageShould be dehorned at a young age– Should dehorn in the late fall, winter or early springShould dehorn in the late fall, winter or early spring

Less problems with heat and fliesLess problems with heat and flies– Horn is removed using dehornerHorn is removed using dehorner


DehorningDehorning– The wound is soldered with a hot iron to help The wound is soldered with a hot iron to help

clot the bloodclot the blood– Powder is placed on the poll to help clot any Powder is placed on the poll to help clot any

blood remainingblood remaining– This is not a desirable characteristic in beef This is not a desirable characteristic in beef

production, breeds that are polled are more production, breeds that are polled are more desirabledesirable

AngusAngusPolled HerefordPolled Hereford


BrandingBranding– Used to identify livestockUsed to identify livestock– It is required by law in some states, to run It is required by law in some states, to run

livestock on federal landslivestock on federal lands– Calves are usually branded in the spring Calves are usually branded in the spring

before they are turned out to grazebefore they are turned out to graze– Can be done two waysCan be done two ways

Calf is placed on the ground Calf is placed on the ground Calf is ran into a turn table chuteCalf is ran into a turn table chute


Branding the old fashion way Branding the old fashion way Westlem’ DownWestlem’ Down


Calf Branding Turn TableCalf Branding Turn Table

Cow-Calf SegmentCow-Calf SegmentEar TaggingEar Tagging– Tags are placed in the Tags are placed in the

ear with herd number ear with herd number for identificationfor identification

Ear TattooingEar Tattooing– Placed in the ear Placed in the ear

permanent permanent identificationidentification

– Use a number to be Use a number to be specificspecific


WeaningWeaning– Taking the calf away from the mother and Taking the calf away from the mother and

wean it from its mothers milkwean it from its mothers milk– Calves and mother are completely separatedCalves and mother are completely separated– When calves are weaned there are several When calves are weaned there are several

optionsoptionsSell to the feeder segmentSell to the feeder segmentSell as yearlingsSell as yearlingsGrowing and finishing Growing and finishing


WeaningWeaning– This has to be done carefully, due to the This has to be done carefully, due to the

stress on the calves they are susceptible to stress on the calves they are susceptible to sicknesssickness

BackgroundingBackgrounding– Feeding the calves for a short period of time Feeding the calves for a short period of time

before they move to the feedlot.before they move to the feedlot.Get more weight and increase your incomeGet more weight and increase your income


Advantages:Advantages:– Requires less labor then PurebredRequires less labor then Purebred– Lower investment in seed stock, equipment, Lower investment in seed stock, equipment,

facilities, paper work and registrationfacilities, paper work and registration– Good way of lifeGood way of life– Large amounts of land are requiredLarge amounts of land are required– Be involves with baby calvesBe involves with baby calves


Disadvantages:Disadvantages:– A large investment of land is usually requiredA large investment of land is usually required– It is difficult to expand and reduce the herd It is difficult to expand and reduce the herd

operation quicklyoperation quickly– Price that is received in based more upon the Price that is received in based more upon the

supply and demand in the nation, rather than supply and demand in the nation, rather than the cost of productionthe cost of production

Feeder SegmentFeeder Segment

To produce cattle for slaughter in the To produce cattle for slaughter in the shortest time possible.shortest time possible.Young calves are purchased from the Young calves are purchased from the cow-calf operation and fed out to a fat cow-calf operation and fed out to a fat finished weightfinished weightSome feed the feeders on pasture for Some feed the feeders on pasture for some of the time then move them to the some of the time then move them to the feedlot.feedlot.

Feedlot SegmentFeedlot Segment

Today's trend is moving toward a Today's trend is moving toward a confinement operationconfinement operationWhat do we feed feedlot cattle?What do we feed feedlot cattle?– Feedlot cattle are fed a high protein diet of Feedlot cattle are fed a high protein diet of

corn, barley and soybeans along with a small corn, barley and soybeans along with a small amount of roughage.amount of roughage.


Advantages:Advantages:– They can adjust well to changes in:They can adjust well to changes in:

Feed suppliesFeed suppliesOperating CostsOperating CostsLabor SupplyLabor SupplyEconomical OutlookEconomical Outlook

Can expect a return on the investment in Can expect a return on the investment in 4-6 months4-6 months


Disadvantages:Disadvantages:– Large enclosed facilities are required, Large enclosed facilities are required,

increased expensesincreased expenses– Increased problem with diseaseIncreased problem with disease– Increase in transportation costsIncrease in transportation costs– High risk business due to the large High risk business due to the large

fluctuations in the marketfluctuations in the market


Small-sized herds are typical for all Cow-Small-sized herds are typical for all Cow-Calf operations.Calf operations.80% of all beef herd in the US are have 80% of all beef herd in the US are have fewer then fifty head of cowsfewer then fifty head of cows

Beef BreedsBeef Breeds

Breed:Breed:– A race or variety, the members of which all A race or variety, the members of which all

are related by decent or distinguishable are related by decent or distinguishable characteristics.characteristics.

There are more than 250 breed There are more than 250 breed recognized in the world.recognized in the world.There is a wide variety of beef breeds to There is a wide variety of beef breeds to better suit their environments.better suit their environments.

Beef CattleBeef Cattle

Composite breeds:Composite breeds:– New breeds developed to combine desirable New breeds developed to combine desirable

characteristics characteristics

Purebred:Purebred:– Being of pure ancestryBeing of pure ancestry

Beef Cattle Science and Management

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