How To Raise Cattle For Beef - 4 Fundamental Steps That Cattle Farmers Need To Know

     Raising cattle for beef is different from raising cattle for dairy products. Each type of cattle has its own unique requirements for rearing. There are some important considerations on how to raise cattle for beef; the same is true in raising dairy cattle. The following are some of the most important considerations on how to raise cattle for beef:

1.) Choose a Beef Cattle Breed - Since raising cattle is done for its meat, it is only natural to choose a cattle breed that are best known for its beef quality. There are literally hundreds of meat cattle breeds, each one produces a different quality of meat products. Some of the breeds known for the quality of its meat include Angus, Shorthorn, Wagyu, and Hereford cattle.

2.) Production System - There are several beef productions systems that are adopted by meat cattle farmers. These systems, listed below, are basically categorized based on the life stage the cattle are reared for beef production. Farmers can focus on a single system or a combination of some, depending on the goals initially set.

a. Cow-Calf System - Focuses on the production and selling of calves from a herd of meat cattle.

b. Seed Stock System - Extensively uses artificial insemination to produce bulls and heifers as materials for cow-calf system.

c. Stocker System - Purchasing of weaned lightweight calves from a producer of meat cattle calves and then raising the calves until they reach a certain weight ready for selling.

d. Feeding System - Focuses on feeding to produce cows that are ready for the market.

3.) Feeding - Feeding constitutes one of the largest expenses when raising beef cattle, representing almost 70% of the production cost. It is self-explanatory on why you should provide only the highest quality feeds for raising healthy cows. Cattles raised for their meat usually have their diet composed of pastures and stored forages such as hays, baleage, and silage. However, supplemental feeding of grains and other special feeds ensures high quality meat.

4.) Facilities - An essential on how to raise cattle for beef are facilities such as housing, fencing and handling. A significant amount of money should be allotted to these facilities.

a. Housing - Cattle doesn't require sophisticated housings; a stall or an enclosure would suffice. Just as long as the housing allows protection from harsh winds and other inclement weather conditions, it is good. However, it should be noted that each cow should have enough dry space to occupy. Grazing pasture should also be adequate. To ensure healthy conditions, housing must be kept dry and clean.

b. Fencing - Fences along the boundary of the farm are necessary to keep the animals from going astray. Be sure to build fences that are sturdy and can last for a long time. There are actually standards on how fences should be built for cattle farming; it would be wise to consult these standards.

c. Handling - Another essential on how to raise cattle for beef is the construction of handling facilities. These facilities ensure safety for both the animals and the handlers/farmers. Handling facilities can aid when it comes to sorting, vaccination, loading, breeding, and/or other animal husbandry procedures. Handling facilities can be as simple as a holding pen with an alleyway leading to a gate to facilitate and organize the movement of cows.

Raising cattle is a rewarding task to do; often full of demands and hard work but nonetheless enjoyable. It is most satisfying to see all the hard work paid off when profits from selling come in. For this to happen, make sure to apply the consideration on how to raise cattle for beef listed above.