Life Cycles and Breeds of Beef Cattle

Cattle Domestication

Began around 9000-8500 BC with Aurochs.

Aurochs

Wild ancestors of modern cattle, now extinct.

Domestication Events

Occurred in India/Asia and Europe separately.

Columbus

Brought Spanish cattle to the Americas in 1493.

Cattle Kingdom

Refers to the booming cattle industry in the 1800s.

Longhorns

Texas cattle breed central to the cattle industry.

Cattle Industry Collapse

Happened in the 1880s due to harsh conditions.

Breed Revolution

Started in 1965, introduced continental cattle breeds.

Hybrid Vigor

Increased performance from crossbreeding cattle.

Beef Cattle

Cattle bred primarily for meat production.

Feed Efficiency

Measure of feed conversion to body weight.

Average Daily Gain

Weight gain of cattle per day.

Bos Taurus

European or continental cattle breeds.

Bos Indicus

Indian cattle breeds, known for heat tolerance.

Composite Breeds

Crossbred cattle combining different genetic lines.

Seedstock Producers

Genetic suppliers focused on breeding improvements.

Cow-Calf Producers

Maintain herds for calf production and weaning.

Stocker Operations

Weaned calves grazing before feedlot phase.

Feedlots

Final growth phase for steers/heifers before market.

Hereford

English breed known for vigor and maternal ability.

Angus

Most popular US breed, solid black or red.

Dystocia

Birthing complications in cattle.

Shorthorn

Originated in England, known for crossbreeding.

Simmental

Swiss breed, multipurpose for beef and milk.

Limousin

French breed known for efficiency and profitability.

Charolais

White cattle breed, typically horned.

Piedmontese

Italian breed, known for muscle and color change.

American Brahman

Developed from Bos Indicus, heat tolerant.

Brangus

3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus, heat resistant.

Santa Gertrudis

Texas breed, 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Shorthorn.

Beefmaster

50% Brahman, 25% Hereford, 25% Shorthorn.

Simbrah

3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Simmental crossbreed.

Calf Weaning Age

Calves weaned at 6-10 months, 300-700 lb.

Post-Weaning Growth

Economically important growth phase after weaning.

Roughages

Fibrous plant material essential for ruminants.

Drylots

Confined areas for cattle, not on pasture.

Health Preconditioning

Training calves for feeding routines post-weaning.

Cattle Color Variations

Includes solid black, red, and roan patterns.

Maternal Characteristics

Traits like docility and mothering ability in cows.

Cattle Breeds

Diverse breeds developed for specific traits.

Cattle Industry Segmentation

Less vertically integrated than poultry industry.

Cattle Breeding Focus

Improving traits like growth, carcass quality, and efficiency.