Cattle Mangement pt. 2

What are the three main phases of beef cattle production

1. cow-calf

2. stocker

3. feedlot

At what age do calves leave a cow-calf operation

6-10 months

How heavy should a calf be when coming out of a cow-calf operation

400-750 lbs

At what age do calves leave a stocker operation

12-16 months

How heavy should a calf be when coming out of a stocker operation

600-900 lbs

At what age do calves leave a feedlot operation

18-24 months

How heavy should a calf be when coming out of a feedlot operation

900-1450 lbs

What do cattle eat in a cow-calf operation

forage/pasture-based

What do cattle eat in a stocker operation

grass, pasture, silage

What do cattle eat in a feedlot operation

concentrates and grain

What are growth stimulants?

Subcutaneous implants in the ear used montly in feedlots to improve growth, feed efficiency, and lean muscle

What are the natural growth hormones called

estradiol, progesterone, testosterone

What are the synthetic growth hormones called

zeranol, trenbolone, melengestrol acetate

Should growth stimulants be used on bulls or replacement heifers

no, because they can reduce fertility

What is the goal of cow-calf management

minimize cow costs, and maximize pounds of calf weaned per cow

What are the major cow cost factors

• feed (50-70%)

• labor (15-20%)

• genetics, health, equipment, taxes, etc

What is the average annual cow cost

$750

How is calf crop % calculated

(number of calves born/number of cows in breeding herd) x 100

How is the Net Calf Crop % calculated

(number of calves weaned/number of cows in breeding herd: x 100

What is the average weaning weight

500 lbs

What is a common illness in stocker operation cattles?

Bovine shipping fever (respiratory disease complex)

What causes bovine shipping fever?

transportation, stress, diet changes, new surroundings

How to treat bovine shipping fever

antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

How to prevent bovine shipping fever

buy vaccinated cattle, good herd protocols

What is preconditioning

management to boost immunity and reduce stress: vaccinate, parasite control, castrate, dehorn, feed/drink training

When is preconditioning done

at, before, or after weaning, before shipping

What’s the goal of stocker yearling operations

maximize weight gain economically before feedlot

what is backgrounding in cattle

feeding forage for 4-5 months between weaning and feedlot entry

What does it mean for cattle to shrink

weight loss from handling/shipping, they’ll recover in 2-3 weeks

What are the key practices in the first 3-4 weeks of a calve’s life?

quiet environment, antibiotics, vaccines, deworming, high-quality feed and water

What is metaphylactic antibiotics used for

giving antibiotics to all animals based on risk level

What should be considered when purchasing feeder cattle?

• grade

• weight

• shrink

• gain potential

• transport

• conformation