1. Beef and Dairy Cattle

2. Objectives As a result of this unit, students will…
Recognize terminology of common production systems used in the animal science industry.
Identify common production methods for raising beef animals.
Discuss common production practices utilized by the dairy industry.

3. Key Terms Cow/Calf Backgrounding Feedlot Hutch Freestall Barn
Milking Parlor
Processing Plant
Colostrum
Pasteurized
Homogenized

4. Beef Cattle Production

5. Beef production systems
A. Cow/Calf Production – An operation that focuses on calf production through weaning. 1. Cattle graze in herds in large pastures 2. Calves are kept with their mothers 3. Most cow/calf operations are family owned 4. Calves range in age from birth to approximately 6-12 months of age

6. Beef production systems
B. Backgrounding – Growing program for feeder cattle from time calves are weaned until they go to a feedlot. 1. Calves of similar age and weight are kept together and graze on pasture 2. Calves begin to receive grain to supplement their diets 3. Most backgrounding operations are family owned 4. Calves come from the cow/calf operations and stay until they are approximately months old

7. Beef production systems
C. Feedlot – Enterprise in which cattle are fed grain and a balanced diet for days. Feedlots range in size from less than 100-head capacity to many thousands. 1. Cattle are kept in groups of approximately 100 head 2. Cattle are kept in large lots allowing at least 125 square feet per head 3. They are fed a scientifically formulated ration and have constant access to water. - The health of the livestock is carefully monitored, usually 1-2 times per day 4. Cattle are fed until they reach approximately 1,250 pounds

8. Typical Feedlot

9. Dairy Cattle Production

10. Dairy production systems
A. Hutch – An individual housing unit designed for young calves. 1. Young calves are given colostrum, nutrient rich milk, immediately after birth.

11. Dairy production systems
B. Freestall barn – A facility to house dairy cows that provides the animals with a clean, dry, comfortable resting area and easy access to food and water. The cows are not restrained and are free to enter, lie down, rise, and leave the barn whenever they desire.
1. Cows consume approximately 100 pounds of feed and 50 pounds of water each day.

12. Dairy production systems
C. Milking parlor – A specialized area on the dairy farm where the milking process is performed. Cows are brought into the parlor two or three times a day. 1. On average a cow gives 6.5 gallons of milk each day. 2. It takes approximately 500 pounds of circulated blood to produce the milk.

13. Dairy production systems
D. Processing plant 1. The milk is homogenized, reducing the size of fat globules to make the milk smooth. 2. The milk is pasteurized, a heat treatment used to remove pathogens from the milk.