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Beef Cattle Basics

Beef Cattle Basics. Veterinary Science. Terminology. Cow – Female cattle – has had a calf Heifer – Young female cattle Bull – Male cattle used for breeding Steer – Castrated Male – Used for Meat Calf – Newborn of either sex Calving – Process of cow giving birth

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Beef Cattle Basics

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  1. Beef Cattle Basics Veterinary Science

  2. Terminology • Cow – Female cattle – has had a calf • Heifer – Young female cattle • Bull – Male cattle used for breeding • Steer – Castrated Male – Used for Meat • Calf – Newborn of either sex • Calving – Process of cow giving birth • Bovine – latin term for Cattle

  3. Anatomy

  4. Life Cycle • Calf is Born – Bull Calf or Heifer Calf • Weight: 50-100 Pounds (80 lb. average) • Spring or Fall Calving • 1 calf per gestation – occasionally twins • Gestation Period – 280 Days • Calf grows and develops • Cow lactates and provides milk for calf • Begin to consume “creep” feed – high protein ration • Weaning: • Generally 6 – 8 months of age • Feeder calf weighs 400 – 700 lbs (500 lb. average)

  5. Calf Care • The Calf needs some basic care: • Colostrum • Navel dip • Castrate • Dehorn • Vaccinations • ID – Tag/Brand/Ect • Age of any of these may vary • Some calves need assistance for the “birthing” process – “Pulling” the calf.” • “Calving Ease” and using bulls that produce smaller calves for heifers and smaller framed cows

  6. Feeder Calves • Feeder Calves generally move to a new “stage” of production. • Two routes for feeders: • Feedlot • High energy grain based diet • Reach market weight at approx. 15 months age • Stocker • Low energy roughage diet • At 1 year of age, move to feedlot • “Finished” on a high energy diet • Reach market weight at 1.5 – 2 years age

  7. Breeding Cattle • Heifers and bulls selected for breeding use can follow a different route. • Wean at the typical time (6 – 8 months) • Heifers will consume a low energy diet • At 15 months, they will be mature and bred • Continue low energy diet during gestation • Produce first offspring at 24 months of age • Bulls • High energy diet and fast growth • At 12 months age, begin as a service (breeding) animal

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