Lesson 10.1 Beef Industry

Lesson Outcomes Understand the size and the scope of the beef industry Understand common terminology of the beef industry Identify major cuts of beef American Hereford Association

Lesson Outcomes Describe the components of the beef industry Understand commonly used production systems in the beef industry Describe different breeds of beef cattle in the United States American Hereford Association

Beef Industry in the United States According to the USDA The beef cattle industry generates $44 billion in economic impact There are approximately 87.7 million head of cattle in our country Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Kingsville, Texas

Beef Industry in the United States US Beef Exports In 2014, the US beef industry exported 5.6 billion pounds of beef In 2013, the average person spent $288.17 on beef in the United States El Nariz/Shutterstock.com

Common Beef Cattle Terms Calf—term to describe young Bull—young and mature male Steer—castrated male Heifer—young female Cow—mature female Calving—the act of giving birth in cattle

Top States in Beef Cattle Production Ask students if there are certain climates or topography that make an area better suited for raising beef cattle. Gather and share the most recent statistics on the number of cattle raised in each state. Mirec/Shutterstock.com

Production Cycle Mating with bull or through A.I. Gestation 279–290 days Cow Calving Birth Suckling for up to 6 months Distribution Weaning Further processing Seedstock Finishing begins By-products to rendering plant Processing and packaging Harvest at 16–30 months Distribution

Cow-Calf Operations Most beef cattle are born on cow-calf operations Cows are bred each year to produce calves for market Red Angus Association

Stocker Operations Calves are brought here after weaning Cattle are allowed to graze until 12–18 months Taken to a feedlot for 4–6 months sw_photo/Shutterstock.com

Feedlot Operations Large numbers of cattle are grouped based on size, genetics, and consistency They are fed high-grain diets with roughage (hay) to increase fat deposition, which increase the quality of beef Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Kingsville, Texas

Seedstock Operations Raise cattle that are typically registered with a breed association May be referred to as purebred breeders

Associations Each breed has an association for the producers that raise that breed The National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) is an organization that promotes the beef industry in the United States Braham V8 Ranch, Wharton, TX; American Braham Breeders Association

Commercial Operations Cattle are typically crossbred (composed of two or more breeds) The goal of commercial operations is to produce cattle to sell to stocker operations and feedlots to produce beef Maria Jeffs/Shutterstock.com

Anatomy of Beef Cattle Beef cattle are ruminants Their stomach is divided into four compartments TAMU Livestock Judgling

Anatomy of Beef Cattle TAMU Livestock Judgling

Herd Behavior Cattle stay together in groups called herds Each animal will imitate the behavior of the other animals in the herd The social structure of the herd changes each time the herd changes American Hereford Association

Maintaining Herd Health Establish a herd health program Have good relationship with a veterinarian Purchase replacement cattle from reputable breeders Elgin Veterinary Hospital, Bovine Division, Elgin, Texas

Maintaining Herd Health Observe new animals for possible disease and parasites Maintain clear, complete, and accurate records Monitor cows and heifers during calving to minimize loss DavidYoung/Shutterstock.com

Handling Cattle Cattle should be selected for their intended use Maintain human contact with the herd to make it easier to handle the cattle Break young calves to lead at an early age if they are going to be exhibited Margo Harrison/Shutterstock.com

Handling Cattle Maintain correct ratios of bulls to cows for breeding purposes Provide access to clean water and shelter during harsh conditions Use safe actions when working around cattle symbiot/Shutterstock.com

Cuts of Beef TAMU Livestock Judging

Breeds of Beef Cattle Bos Taurus Bos Indicus Describes the breeds that originated in Europe Bos Indicus Describes the breed that originated from more tropical countries

Bos Taurus Angus American Angus Association

Bos Taurus Charolais Thomas Ranch, Harrold, South Dakota

Bos Taurus Chianina American Chianina Association

Bos Taurus Gelbvieh Photos provided by the American Gelbvieh Association

Bos Taurus Hereford/Polled Hereford Provided by American Hereford Association

Bos Taurus Limousin North American Limousin Foundation

Bos Taurus Maine Anjou BOSS Beauty 84M (top); DMCC Limited Edition (bottom)

Bos Taurus Red Angus Red Angus Association of America

Bos Taurus Shorthorn V8 Ranch, Wharton, TX

Bos Taurus Simmental Photos courtesy of the American Simmental Association, www.simmental.org

Bos Taurus Texas Longhorn Courtesy of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America and Star Creek Ranch

Bos Indicus Beefmaster Emmons Ranch Beefmasters

Bos Indicus Braford Courtesy of the United Braford Breeders, Inc

Bos Indicus Brangus Red Brangus Diamond K Ranch, Hempstead, TX

Bos Indicus Braham V8 Ranch, Wharton, TX; American Braham Breeders Association

Bos Indicus Simbrah La Muneca Ranch, Linn, TX

Bos Indicus Santa Gertrudis Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Kingsville, Texas