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Beef Cattle Management and Feeding Technology During Finishing
The process of fattening beef cattle involves raising young, adult, and older or disabled cattle with the goal of maximizing weight gain while minimizing feed consumption. This is achieved through scientific feeding and management practices, aiming to improve slaughter rate and produce high-quality beef.
**(a) Management Practices**
1. The best time for beef cattle fattening is in autumn, followed by spring and winter. During summer, when temperatures exceed 30°C, cattle experience increased metabolism and reduced feed efficiency. Therefore, it's crucial to implement heatstroke prevention measures.
2. Castration is an important practice. Bulls under two years of age grow faster, have higher lean meat percentages, and better feed conversion rates. Bulls over two years should be castrated before fattening to avoid issues like strong odors that can affect carcass quality.
3. Before starting the fattening period, it’s essential to treat cattle for internal and external parasites. Common anthelmintic drugs include albendazole, trichlorfon, and terpene. Additionally, the premises must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to maintain hygiene.
4. Limiting physical activity helps reduce energy expenditure and improves fattening outcomes. After feeding, each cow should be tied or kept in a confined area, with reins short enough to allow lying down, thus limiting movement.
5. Regular brushing enhances blood circulation and stimulates appetite. It is recommended to brush cattle 1–2 times daily for optimal results.
**(II) Feeding Techniques**
1. Feed mixing is critical for balanced nutrition. Concentrates, roughage, silage, and hay can be fed separately or mixed. When using mechanical mixers, ensure at least three minutes of mixing time; manually, stir at least three times to ensure even distribution. This prevents selective eating and ensures uniform growth.
2. Dry and wet feeds can both be used. A well-balanced diet includes silage, grain residues, protein sources like cottonseed meal, energy feeds such as corn flour, and mineral supplements. Mixing should be done in small portions to prevent fermentation and maintain palatability. Avoid dry powders, as they can cause respiratory issues.
3. Feeding frequency plays a key role. In China, most farmers feed 2–3 times daily, but free-choice feeding allows cattle to eat as needed, resulting in faster growth and better uniformity. Studies show free-feeding increases daily weight gain by 296 grams and improves slaughter rate by 7.71%.
4. Feeding methods should encourage competition without causing stress. Provide more feed in the morning, as cattle tend to eat more then. Adjust portions based on their habits to prevent aggression during feeding.
5. Gradual feed changes are necessary to avoid digestive upset. Replace old feed with new ones over 3–5 days, allowing cattle to adapt smoothly. Monitor closely during this transition to address any issues promptly.
6. Water is vital for cattle health. Sources include metabolic water, feed moisture, and drinking water. In winter, cold water is acceptable, as research shows no difference in weight gain between warm and cold water. Ensure access to clean, fresh water at least three times daily.
7. Pasture grazing can complement feeding strategies. From July to October, when pastures are lush, grazing is ideal. Allow early grazing, rest in midday, and feed at night. Keep grazing distances within 4–5 km, and provide supplemental feed in the pasture to minimize energy loss.
Timely slaughter is essential. When temperatures drop below 7°C, it’s best to sell or slaughter the cattle to maximize profitability and meat quality.