The American Cattlemen’s Association has several different levels of production, including small family-scale operations that serve markets for grass-fed and locally sourced beef. Some of these operations sell their animals by the quarter or half, and others are more regionally significant, selling to major retailers. These smaller operations raise and sell feeder cattle. Ultimately, they provide a large portion of the beef produced in the United States. While these different levels of production have different purposes and costs, all of them are related to beef.
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Breeds of beef cattle
There are several different types of beef cattle breeds. Some are suited for particular types of farms and environments, while others have traits that are more desirable for a specific type of livestock. Some are hybrids, with traits from European and tropical breeds blended together. While this is common, you should choose the breed that is most compatible with your needs. If you’re looking for cattle that are particularly hardy, consider breeding a tropical breed. These cattle have unique shoulder humps, making them ideal for tropical climates.
Some breeds are suitable for the United States and other countries. British and Continental breeds are popular in North America. British breeds are smaller and have a darker skin than Continental breeds. They are also good mothers and are more tolerant of heat than their darker cousins. Charolais breeds originated in France and are also popular among ranchers. They are more heat tolerant than darker-hidden cattle.
Management of feeder cattle
Proper management of feeder cattle begins with establishing a grazing area, a strong pen, and a clean loafing area. When deciding what kind of feed to give your cattle, consider the nutrient requirements of the animals, the amount of feed needed, and the desired weight gain. Implement a nutritional program, monitor animal performance, and adjust rations as needed. A veterinarian is an excellent adviser.
For breeding purposes, you should maintain the fitness of your animals. Overweight cattle do not milk as well as their underweight counterparts, and their calving and breeding seasons are hindered. Bulls with high body weights may also be unproductive, and their performance may be compromised. This information can be obtained by following VQA guidelines. Further, if you are planning to sell your calves through VQA-certified feeder cattle, it’s important to consider the nutritional needs of beef cattle.
Environmental factors
In addition to the physical conditions of the animal, environmental factors affect the performance and welfare of the cattle. For instance, cattle need shade and shelter. Natural vegetation can provide these conditions, while temporary or permanent structures can also be beneficial for the cattle. Here are some environmental factors to consider when raising feeder cattle:
Seasonal changes and the onset of seasonal disease are some examples of environmental factors that affect livestock. Cows in tropical regions often produce less milk and meat and take longer to reach the market. This means that increasing the productivity of livestock in developing countries may be necessary to meet future food needs. Further, environmental factors may affect genetic markers, which is crucial for selection of superior animals. UC Davis is investigating the impact of climate change on breeding and production of dairy and beef cattle.
Health issues
It is critical to address health problems in your cattle to reduce the risk of calving out dead calves. There are several major health issues when raising feeder cattle. One of the most significant is blackleg, a disease caused by four different blackleg-type bacteria. This can also affect your cattle’s reproductive health, making vaccinations vital for its prevention. Many common diseases of cattle can affect feeder cattle. Listed below are a few common problems to address:
Cows that are weak or thin can be prone to respiratory issues. They may take a long time to calve. In addition to respiratory problems, a cow with poor health can suffer from prolonged lactation. It is best to consult a veterinarian if it has one of these issues. A veterinarian can help determine the cause of the disease, as well as how to treat it. A veterinarian can determine whether the symptoms are caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
