Raising Beef Cattle For A profit, The Commercial Beef Cattle Niche Information and Resources. Developing A Commercial Cattle Herd continued...

Commercial Cattle Herd Sire
  A quality sire is essential to maintain a good, healthy herd. The rule of thumb is 1 bull to 25 cows. The ratio varies depending on the bull's age and health, and the size of pasture.

Small herd owners have the following options for obtaining a good-quality bull:

  * You can buy a bull in cooperation with another ranch.
  * You can lease or borrow a sire from a neighbor.

  However, using a bull increases the risk of diseases. Bulls also may pose a safety risk, so treat them with respect.

  Another good breeding option is artificial insemination (AI). If you use this method, you should synchronize estrus in the herd for a shortened calving season. This process may require the aid of a veterinarian.

  The last consideration of the breeding season is pregnancy testing the cows. The test helps determine which cows should be culled from the herd to avoid the costs of wintering a cow that is not pregnant. Veterinarians offer pregnancy testing services.

Calving
  This aspect of beef cattle management requires experience and skill. If you are inexperienced, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian and/or Extension agent for advice on calving management. Most Extension agents can provide you with a printed Cow Calf Management Guide.

Working the calves
  One of the simplest ways to add to the value of your calves is to make sure they are well fed, properly castrated, dehorned, vaccinated, and clearly identified. The most important thing to remember when working calves is to stress them as little as possible. You can learn how to castrate, dehorn, and give vaccinations under the supervision of an experienced cattle producer or veterinarian.

  A good vaccination program also is vital to herd health and performance. Your Extension agent and veterinarian are good sources of information on this subject.

Weaning
  Weaning is accomplished by separating calves from their mothers. Calves should be weaned at approximately 7 to 8 months of age. This gives the cow time to regain body condition after nursing.

  Calves need an ample supply of fresh water and feed. Some producers prefer to creep feed calves prior to weaning. This may help encourage the calves to begin feeding on their own after weaning.

Keeping performance records
  Keeping records enables you to cull poor performers and maintain good overall herd health and vigor. Examples of helpful calf records include birth weight, weaning weight, and average daily gain. Your Extension agent is a good resource for help.

Combinations of breeding, growing, and feeding
  Most calves produced in small commercial herds are marketed as weaned calves weighing from 450 to 600 pounds. Other options include the following:
  • Wean the calves, winter them, and sell them as yearlings.
  • Creep feed calves while the animals are still nursing, put them on full feed after weaning, and then sell them as slaughter cattle at 12 to 16 months of age.
  • Wean calves, winter them on a growing ration, then graze them during spring and early summer and finish them to slaughter weight at 18 to 24 months of age.