Canadian Beef Industry Flashcards
What is the primary basis of food delivery for the beef industry?
The beef cattle industry is forage-based
How long are cows in a feedlot when they are in a finishing program?
100-200 days
What are some key point on the beef cattle industry?
- they utilize land not capable of crop production
- add value to forages and grains raised on cropland
- great diversity of cattle and farmers/ranches, environment
- tradition
- highly segmented industry with little vertical integration
What are the goals of the seedstock industry?
to produce genetics for the commercial industry
What is the goal of cow- calf production?
One healthy calf from each cow every year
What are some key points about feedlots?
GOAL: rapidly gain weight, add lean mass followed by fat cover
Market after 3-6 months (target weight is ~1600lbs market weight)
Calf-fed: enters feedlot directly, 200 days to finish
Long-yearling: large frame,<3 months to finish, previously backgrounded
what is backgrounding?
GOALS:
- increase size of lightweight calves before entering the feedlot
- manage supply of calves entering the feedlot
How many federally inspected processing plants are there in Canada?
22
(the “Bie 3” process 85% of canadian cattle)
There are many more small plants (~90 in Ontario)
What is the structure like in the Canadian beef industry?
- The Canadian beef industry operates on a free enterprise basis
- No supply management or price setting
- Large fluctuations in prices
- Free trade among Canada, United States and Mexico
- Trade with other countries subject to tariffs and quotas
What are Canadian beef exports like?
Canada exports ~50% of it’s beef products
Breeds of beef cattle
Angus
Hereford
Simmental
Charolais
Bos taurus vs bos indicus
Bos taurus : non-humped cattle
- British, Continental, Dual Purpose, Dairy, etc.
- Easier fleshing, more tender beef
Bos indicus (Zebu) : humped cattle
- Brahman, Nellore
- Heat tolerant
What is the leading cause of calf death in western Canada?
It is associated with dystocia
3-5% of calves die at or shortly after birth
What is dystocia?
When the calf has rotated in the womb to a position that causes complications; three things are needed in a position to prevent dystocia ; - 2 front feet and a head or 2 back feet and a tail
What does the body condition score influence?
- milk production
- calf growth
- reproduction
- cow longevity
What are the 2 types of pasture grazing?
- Continuous grazing
- Rotational grazing
What are some key points on continuous grazing?
- animals allowed to graze at will
- result in over or understanding ; animal requirements/pasture quality, and is this a efficient use of resources
What are some key points on rotational grazing?
- divide pasture into paddocks
- restrict cattle to 1 paddock at a time; graze paddock to a certain sward height (not less than 8cm), animals are then moved and paddock allowed for regrowth and recovery: can range from 20 to 40 days depending on time & conditions in growing season
What are the advantages and disadvantages of creep feeders?
ADVANTAGES - increase weaning weight - decrease grazing pressure -increasing feed intake at weaning - increase cow weight, condition and pregnancy rate DISADVANTAGES - cost benefit - consistency in intake - fleshy calves may be discounted - masks performance of the cow
4 parts of management of calves.
- dehorning
- castration
- vaccination
- weaning
How many beef producers in North America use polled genetics
about 80%
When are bull calves castrated?
2-3 days of age to 2 years old
Why do we castrate bulls?
- reduction in aggressive and sexual behavior in feedlot, prevent injury
What are the methods of castration in bulls?
SURGICAL
- sharp knife/scalpel; Emasculator crush/cut cord
-Newberry knife
- allow for drainage; avoid hot weather and flies
ELASTRATOR RINGS
- tight rubber rings placed over scrotum above testicles
- young calves
BURDIZZO
- large emasculator crushes cord external - no incision
