Beef Cattle Production An Introduction cow_calf_pair.gif

Segments of the industry Cow-calf Stocker/Backgrounding Feedlot

Types of Beef Cattle Operations Beef cattle producers may specialize in one type of cattle operation or combine various types. Cow-Calf Producers- a herd of cows are bred each year to produce calves. These calves are often sold sometime after weaning (6 months to 1 year old animals). Seedstock- also known as purebred breeders. Keeps herds of purebred breeding animals and provide replacement bulls for cow-calf operations. These operations focus more specifically on genetic improvements within a given breed.

Types of Beef Cattle Operations Beef cattle producers may specialize in one type of cattle operation or combine various types. 3. Cattle Feeders Stocker Operations- purchase calves from a cow-calf producer and care for them for approximately 5 months (12 months to 17 months of age). Feedlot- raises large numbers of animals in a more confined area. Animals are fed to a “finished” market weight and then sent to be processed between 18-22 months of age. Feedlot animals are purchased from stockers or cow-calf producers through one of the various types of livestock markets.

“Feeder Calf” Cow/Calf Operation Stocker Cattle = Heavy Feeders weaned calf ~500 lbs. Cow/Calf Operation 10 mos. Breed cows ............... Calving Stocker Cattle = “Backgrounding” Heavy Feeders 700 -1000 lbs Fed or “Fat” Cattle (Slaughter Cattle) optimal 1100 - 1300 lbs. truth 900 -1400 lbs. Feedlot max intake = max gain

Some other beef terms Dry = non-lactating Wet = lactating open = not pregnant cow&calf2.jpg

Beef Lifecycle Replacement Females 283 days 283 days 10-14 mos. conception birth breed calve puberty 22-24 months of age

Terminal Male or Female Beef Lifecycle Terminal Male or Female 10-14 mos. 283 days conception birth 12 -14 mos. slaughter puberty 900 - 1400 lbs.

Processing Beef Products Feedlots sell animals to packing plants (slaughter houses). Most packing facilities process animals into primal cuts and subprimal cuts. These products are sold to retailers and foodservice companies. Some packing facilities sell subprimals to meat processors who create value added products such as pre-cooked items, sandwich meat, etc. The amount of time involved in producing beef cattle is significantly longer compared to swine and poultry. Most beef cattle are grown independently, not on contracts.

Champion Hereford Steer 2007 Scarlet & Gray.jpg Breeds of Cattle English = come from England Usually moderate in frame Examples Angus and Hereford Champion Hereford Steer 2007 Scarlet & Gray.jpg IMG_6997.JPG

Breeds of Cattle Continental = from Europe Often dual purpose Large framed heavier milkers Examples: Gelbvieh, Limousin, Simmental, Charolais lightning.jpg granddaughter.jpg

Breeds of Cattle English and Continental = Bos taurus Bos indicus = heat tolerant and parasite resistant From India Brahman 2009-2nd-Place-Middleweight.jpg

EPDs Expected Progeny Differences Phoenix_epds_1-28-10.jpg Expected Progeny Differences Comparison of measurable traits within breeds

Expected progeny differences (PARAPHRASE THIS) (EPDs) provide estimates of the genetic value of an animal as a parent. Specifically, differences in EPDs between two individuals of the same breed predict differences in performance between their future offspring when each is mated to animals of the same average genetic merit. EPDs are calculated for birth, growth, maternal, and carcass traits and are reported in the same units of measurement as the trait (normally pounds). EPD values may be directly compared only between animals of the same breed. In other words, a birth weight EPD for a Charolais bull may not be directly compared to a birth weight EPD of a Hereford bull (unless an adjustment is made to account for breed differences).