Beef cattle are primarily raised for meat production, though some breeds can produce significant quantities of milk. Beef is one of the world’s most sought-after food products and contributes immensely to the income of any nation.
The economic impact of beef enterprises is further enhanced by income from subsidiary industries such as transportation, marketing, feed supplies, vaccines, antibiotics, and financial institutions that thrive because of the beef industry.
Effective management of beef cattle includes the cow-calf program, breeding, herd management during summer and winter, stocker program, finishing program, the baby-beef program, fat-calf program, and pure-breed programs.
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Management of Range Bulls in Beef Cattle Production
There are various ways of acquiring range bulls, with each method fitting a particular operation and offering its advantages. Bulls are typically ready for breeding when they reach two years of age and are turned out on pasture or range.
Proper management of bulls before the breeding season is essential. If properly conditioned, bulls should be capable of breeding 20-25 cows. At this stage, bulls must receive a high-energy ration, which should then be gradually decreased in a ‘let-down’ period, replacing it with lighter feed.
Exercise is crucial during this period to ensure bulls are conditioned to perform efficiently during the breeding season.
Young bulls under two years of age should be used in limited service, unlike older bulls. They should receive a balanced growing ration containing energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals daily.
Two months before the breeding season, older bulls should be given supplemental feed to ensure they gain a healthier condition before turning out. Bulls that are not properly conditioned prior to breeding may experience low libido or reduced fertility. The length of the breeding season impacts management; a shorter breeding season places more stress on bulls.
At a ratio of 25 cows to 1 bull, a concentrated breeding season of 60 days allows only 2.5 days per service, whereas an extended season of 120 days allows nearly five days per service. The proportion of bulls to cows depends on factors such as topography, bull age, and feed conditions during the breeding season.
Cow-calf Programme in Beef Cattle Management
A cow is pregnant for 280-285 days, and to calve every 365 days, she must become pregnant again 80-85 days after calving. Research shows that pregnant cows on moderate feed levels require assistance during birth, while cows on low-level feed experience fewer calving issues and lower calf losses, though they return to heat more slowly.
It is essential to prepare a calving facility, such as a pull stall and small pens, for cows to care for their calves after birth. Identification bands should be provided, and heifers should be separated from cows at least 120 days before calving to ensure proper nutrition.
After calving, the nutrient requirements of cows increase. It is important to separate them from non-lactating cows, but their exact nutrient needs are influenced by cow size, milk production, and climate.
Supplying sufficient energy to cows nursing calves is challenging, as energy requirements are high and pasture availability varies. Measuring the exact energy a cow gets from pasture is difficult.
General Herd Management Practices For Beef Cattle
1. Removal of Bulls: After the breeding season, bulls should be separated from cows. Younger bulls must also be separated from older bulls and placed in a separate area. Thin bulls should be supplemented with feed, good forage, salt, and other minerals. Bulls should be periodically sprayed or treated to control flies and parasites.
2. Management of First-Calf Heifers: Special care is required for heifers calving for the first time. They should be grazed or fed separately from older cows, as they are less aggressive and may be pushed away from feed. Heifers should be provided with access to some of the best grazing land to ensure adequate nutrition.
Calf Management in Beef Cattle
1. Castration and Branding: Calves should be castrated when they are 4-10 weeks old. At this time, branding and vaccination should also occur. There are several methods for castration, including those that allow complete drainage or those that use a distractor.
2. Identification: Calves should be identified by tattooing numbers on their ears shortly after birth or by applying numbered metal or plastic tags.
3. Vaccination: Vaccination for diseases such as blackleg and malignant edema is essential.
4. Parasite Control: Cows should be separated from calves, and calves should be sprayed with a lighter concentration of chemicals to control parasites.
5. Handling Orphan Calves: Orphaned calves or those from multiple births should be ‘grafted’ onto a cow that has lost her calf or raised artificially. Colostrum is crucial, as it provides antibodies that help calves survive due to passive immunity. Calves should be allowed to consume colostrum immediately after birth.
Calves can be reared with cold milk provided in containers with nipples, supplemented with fortified grain mixtures. At three weeks, they will consume one bag of dry feed per head. As they grow, dry feed consumption increases. Commercial milk replacers and starter feeds can provide adequate nutrition when used as directed.
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Calf Weaning in Beef Cattle Management
Weaning represents both a nutritional and psychological transition for a young animal. The timing of weaning depends on the season and the type of management. Weaning can be influenced by the time of year and whether calves will be kept as stockers or sent directly to the feedlot.
To wean calves, they should be separated from their mothers and kept out of sight or hearing range. This reduces stress caused by prolonged bawling. Initially, calves should be confined to small areas to minimize walking and weight loss.
Calves should be grouped according to size and sex, and should be protected from harsh weather and predators. Clean water and palatable feed such as corn or sorghum silage with a protein supplement, high-quality grass-legume hay, and concentrates should be provided.
Before weaning, calves should have access to feed placed in a creep feeder, where only they can reach it. It is important that calves are not disturbed during the first few days after weaning.
Management of Dry Beef Cows in Agricultural Practices
Dry cows should be fed according to their individual needs. Age, maturity, weight, and condition determine the feed requirements of each cow. Dry herds should be managed by grouping cows and heifers based on their feed needs.
The nutrient requirements of dry, pregnant, mature cows, including energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins, are essential and vary depending on the cow’s condition and stage of pregnancy.
The ultimate goal of beef cattle production is to maximize benefits over an extended period. Effective management involves careful feeding, supervision of range bulls, cows, and calves, and timely weaning and marketing of calves, cull cows, and bulls.
Costs related to beef cattle management include feed, labor, investment in land, cattle, and equipment. Successful management focuses not only on minimizing costs but also on achieving timely marketing and maintaining a productive breeding herd.
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