Canned Bigeye Tuna,Bigeye Tuna Chunk in Oil Can,Tuna Salad Can Zhejiang Ocean Family Co., Ltd., , https://www.ocean-family.com
Beef Cattle Management and Feeding Technology During Finishing
The process of fattening beef cattle involves raising young, adult, and older disabled cattle with the goal of maximizing daily weight gain while minimizing feed consumption. This is achieved through scientific feeding and management techniques, aiming to improve slaughter rate and produce high-quality beef in large quantities.
**Management Practices**
1. **Seasonal Fattening**: The best time for fattening is in autumn, followed by spring and winter. During summer, when temperatures exceed 30°C, cattle experience increased metabolism and reduced feed efficiency, making heatstroke prevention essential.
2. **Castration Timing**: Bulls under two years old grow faster, have higher lean meat percentages, and better feed conversion. Bulls over two years should be castrated before fattening to avoid undesirable odors that may affect carcass quality.
3. **Parasite Control**: Before starting the fattening process, it's important to treat both internal and external parasites. Common dewormers include albendazole, trichlorfon, and terpene. Clean and disinfect the barns thoroughly.
4. **Exercise Restriction**: Limiting movement helps reduce energy expenditure and improve fat deposition. After feeding, tie each cow to a post or circle them in the resting area. Use short reins so they can lie down comfortably.
5. **Brushing**: Brushing improves blood circulation and increases appetite. It should be done 1–2 times per day.
**Feeding Techniques**
1. **Feed Mixing**: Feed can be offered separately or mixed. When mixing, ensure even distribution—mechanical mixing should last at least 3 minutes, while manual mixing requires at least three thorough stirrings. Proper mixing prevents selective eating and ensures uniform growth.
2. **Dry vs. Wet Feeding**: A balanced diet includes silage, grains, protein sources, and minerals. Mix ingredients with 40–50% moisture content and feed within 4–6 hours to prevent fermentation. Avoid dry powders as they can cause respiratory issues.
3. **Feeding Frequency**: In China, most farmers feed twice or thrice daily. Free-choice feeding allows cattle to eat as needed, leading to faster growth and better uniformity. Studies show free-fed cattle gain 296 grams more daily than restricted ones, with higher slaughter rates and better meat yield.
4. **Feed Distribution**: Place proportioned feed in the troughs to encourage competition without causing stress. Adjust feeding amounts based on morning and night patterns to avoid conflicts.
5. **Feed Transition**: Gradually replace feeds over 3–5 days to avoid digestive upset. Monitor animals closely during this period to address any issues promptly.
6. **Water Supply**: Cattle get water from metabolic processes, feed, and direct drinking. In winter, cold water is acceptable, and heating is unnecessary. Provide clean, fresh water at least three times daily.
7. **Grazing Fattening**: In areas with abundant pastures, grazing combined with supplemental feeding can be effective. Grazing should occur from July to October, with rest periods during midday and feeding at night. Ensure adequate water and supplements to maintain performance.
**Conclusion**: Effective beef cattle fattening requires attention to seasonal conditions, proper nutrition, and careful management. By following these practices, farmers can enhance productivity, improve meat quality, and achieve better economic returns.