Chapter 2: Breeds and Life Cycles of Livestock and Poultry Unit 2a: Beef Life Cycle - history and general production of beef cattle

Cattle in the Americas: Beef industry evolved from two fronts: 1493: Santo Domingo with Columbus 1521: mainland of Mexico 1607: Virginia colony, all eaten 1611: Jamestown colony, survival 1625: Dutch colonies; herds grow –in general: early cattle in the American colonies were dual or triple purpose: meat, milk, and draft

Historical Perspectives: Spanish influence on Central America and southwest US - “ranch” system (1493-) Eastern colonies - “farm” system (1611-) Livestock types (ranch/farm) come together in the west (late 1800’s) Introduce Bos indicus a.k.a. Zebu “hump-backed” (1930’s) Revolution: the “exotic breeds” from Europe (late 1960’s)

Beef Cattle Numbers by State – 2001

Beef Cattle Genealogy: Genus: Bos Species 1: taurus(typicus) –European breeds, such as Hereford and Charolais Species 2: indicus –“Hump-backed” cattle such as Brahman; also termed “zebu” type Common term for cattle: bovine

Beef Life Cycle: Calving Spring calving is most common in the US to provide weaned calves in the fall for feedlot –Concentrated calving supports uniform age and size for sale –Fall calving system is popular in some states –Gestation in cattle is about 9 months

Newborn Calf Management : Birth weight: pounds Colostrum feeding - calves should nurse within first hour Navel dipping - antiseptic solution to prevent infection Identification - record keeping begins

Calf Management: First Month Horn removal - if not genetically polled Castrate - most bull calves destined for a feedlot will be castrated Weaning from dam - approximately 7 months of age; some early weaning programs down to 45 days of age Implanting - growth stimulants may be used Creep feeding - may be fed extra energy

Weaning Preparation Programs: Preconditioning –Weaning 30 days before shipment –Providing a feedlot preparation diet –Applying specified vaccination programs Backgrounding –Generally refers to a preconditioning type program with more extensive dietary supplementation before shipping

Female Replacements: Goal 1: first calf by 2 years of age –Selected females will be bred at about 15 months of age Goal 2: 12 month calving intervals –Rebred by 90 days post-calving –Full maturity reached at about 5-6 years

Replacement Males: Feedlot test evaluation –Weaning to yearling (“365 day”) comparisons Light use in breeding as 2 year old