Beef
Beef
Production
Beef Production for Small Farms (Oregon State University)
Beef production is a large and important segment of American agriculture and one of the largest industries in the world. For people who own land but work full-time off the farm, a beef enterprise can be the least labor-intensive way to utilize their land. A cattle enterprise can use family or surplus labor. Calving, weaning, vaccinations, castration, and weighing can be planned for times when labor is available
Animal Welfare: Understanding and Addressing Issues Related to the Well-being of Livestock (Oregon State University)
The goals of Oregon livestock producers are parallel to those of the American Dream—to enjoy an occupation of raising livestock, provide for their families, be independent, and avoid unwarranted criticism and interference. For Oregon livestock producers to stay in business and remain on the ranch, they must be efficient, responsible producers.
Rotational grazing is periodically moving livestock to fresh paddocks, to allow pastures to regrow. Rotational grazing requires skillful decisions and close monitoring of their consequences. Modern electric fencing and innovative water-delivery devices are important tools. Feed costs decline and animal health improves when animals harvest their own feed in a well-managed rotational grazing system. Included are lists of resources for further research
Breeds, Reproduction & Calving
Choosing and Managing Young Bulls (Oregon State University)
Over time, bulls provide 90% of the genetic change in most beef herds. A producer should carefully plan the selection and subsequent management of young bulls. Purchasing young bull calves has become an economic reality in the beef industry.
Calving Difficulties in Beef Cattle (Oregon State University)
Calf death at or shortly after calving results in losses of over 3.5 million calves annually in the United States. About 45% of these losses are caused by dystocia (delayed and/or difficult parturition). The two principal factors involved in dystocia are size of calf and age of cow.
Weaning Management for Calves (Oregon State University)
The main objective of a weaning program is to get the calves separated from their mothers and on their own as simply and efficiently as possible.
Raising Newborn Calves (Oregon State University)
There several reasons for raising calves without their mothers. Occasionally, a cow dies giving birth or doesn't produce enough milk to support a growing calf. Some people buy calves to raise for beef and use grass grown on a few acres.
Oklahoma State Information on Cattle Breeds
This site is intended as an educational and informational resource on breeds of livestock throughout the world.
Calving School Handbook (Oregon State University)
Focus on the calving process, the mechanisms associated with this event, information and management options of calving difficulties.
Nutrition
Beef Cattle Nutrition Workbook (Oregon State University)
An interactive workbook to be used in conjunction with Oregon State University Extension Service Winter Nutrition Programs for beef producers.
Evaluating Grain for Livestock Feed (Oregon State University)
Producers need to develop "a good eye" for grain quality. Our purposes here are to define those grain characteristics that you can visually evaluate and to discuss their importance in determining the feed value of a grain.
Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Ruminants on Pasture (ATTRA)
Provides managers with tools and references to consider biological and climatological variables and make decisions that ensure the ecological and economic viability of a grass-based ruminant livestock operation.
Feeding For Rebreeding (Oregon State University)
Good nutritional status is one of the most important factors in successful reproduction. In this article I will review the nutritional demands, the nutrient requirements, and the nutrient content of common feeds for mature cows and first-calf heifers after calving and into the breeding season.
