Beef Cattle Ranching

     Beef Cattle Ranching refers to the practice of rearing beef cattle for human beef consumption. Ranching involves a huge and well maintained ranch and a healthy cattle herd. Everything related to the healthy living of the beef cattle is the job and responsibility of the herd owner. He has to take care of feeding and nutrition, breeding, vaccination, fly control and sanitation of the herd. For ranching the herd owner must select a good piece of land for use as a farm, suitable to the needs of the cattle. Selection of cattle herd is also a tough job. Animals must be healthy, free from any diseases, infections, insects and parasites.

        The most important beef cattle ranching task is the nutrition of animals. Beef cattle animals have different nutrition requirements at different stages in life. For example growing calves and pregnant cows need more and special feed than older cattle. There are many computer software programs available today that ranch owners can use to calculate nutritional needs of different animals and provide feeds suitable to individual requirements. This software can help reduce costs of feed programs and balance nutritional needs of animals. Water and feed for beef cattle consumption must also be stored well to reduce the nutrient loss and prevent any contamination. Improper storage causes loss of the nutrients to the environment. Contamination of feed, water and pastures by pesticides and bacteria can lead to many diseases. It is also very important to maintain records of everything fed and used on animals.

     Vaccination of calves and regular checkup of animals by a qualified veterinarian is also very important in beef cattle ranching. All animals must be vaccinated every spring and fall. Any animal showing any signs of infection must be isolated from the herd to prevent the spread of infection. Prevention costs much less than cure.

     Beef cattle ranching needs owners to decide between natural breeding or artificial insemination for crop production. Artificial insemination uses semen from high quality bulls, which is transferred to cows’ vagina by other than natural means. Bulls contribute their genes to the herd for many years and ultimately affect the quality of beef. Bulls must appear healthy and fit physically, without any structural defects. Ranch owners can check the fertility of the bull by testing his semen, measuring scrotal and physically examining the reproductive tract for any signs of diseases like hernia. Beef cattle ranching needs honest dedication and devotion. It needs experience and effort.