![]() ![]() Animals sold through this venue are more likely to have health issues.Ĭhoose breeding males that will complement the outstanding traits in your females and improve their weaknesses. A wide variety of animals may be available at a local auction barn however, let the buyer beware. Another option would be to locate reputable breeders and purchase directly from their farm. ![]() Many sales are held across the country throughout the year and may offer only one breed, a variety of breeds, or even crossbreds for sale. Photo credit: Dave Hartman, Penn State Extension Where Can I Purchase Animals?Īnimals can be purchased through several different means. Photo credit: Michelle Kunjappu, PA Beef Producers Working Group ![]() Hereford Photo credit: Michelle Kunjappu, PA Beef Producers Working Group The more common breeds are listed in the table below.Īngus Photo credit: Michelle Kunjappu, PA Beef Producers Working Group While many producers use both maternal and terminal breeds in their systems, composite breeds have been established and are recognized by their pedigree. In addition to these two classifications, composite breeds of cattle also exist.Ĭomposite breeds are cattle breeds that are generally made up of maternal and terminal breeds and often combine genetics for specific environments or markets. Terminal breeds are generally a bit larger in their size and commonly used for meat production. Maternal breeds are typically moderately sized and recognized for their ability to raise healthy calves. Beef cattle breeds are often divided into maternal (cow) and terminal (sire) breeds. Breed associations can provide information on those traits and help you narrow your decision regarding what breed or breeds fit best with your operation. Selecting a BreedĮach livestock breed has different traits for which they are recognized. This means that a crossbred calf could grow faster, or a crossbred female could produce more milk for its offspring. Crossbred animals have the benefit of hybrid vigor, which is simply the ability of crossbred offspring to increase in productivity over the average of the breeds that were part of the cross. A commercial operation may have unregistered purebred animals, or they may have crossbred animals. Often a purebred operation will have all registered animals that can also be sold through purebred sales. A purebred operation typically raises animals of one breed. Producers should start by determining if they wish to raise purebred or commercial stock. Other producers may prefer to purchase weaned animals, also known as feeders, to raise to market weight. Some producers choose to breed females to produce calves to sell for breeding stock or market animals. The intended markets may dictate what breed or breeds are best suited for the operation. This decision should directly reflect the markets a producer has available to sell beef cattle and consider the resources available on the farm and the producer's individual goals.īeef cattle may be used to produce meat or generate seedstock (breeding animals). The first thing to decide when starting a new beef cattle enterprise is what type of animals to raise. What to feed and how to care for your animals' health.How to breed and raise your beef cattle.What equipment you'll need to raise your animals.What to look for as the ideal characteristics.About the different breeds and how to select the right one for you.How to decide what type of animal you should raise.This fact sheet may be used as a guide for beef cattle producers just getting started in the industry to learn: Savvy producers will let markets identify the type of animals they should raise in order to generate a profit. Producers also need to consider how they will feed their animals and what health care practices they will use to keep the animals healthy. In addition to managing resources, new producers must ask themselves, What do I need to get started? This question involves considerations for the type of animals a producer wishes to raise as well as where to find these animals, how to select them, and what equipment will be needed for the operation. To raise beef cattle sustainably, you must manage these resources. Each livestock enterprise has different resources: land, labor, capital, feed, and management. However, there are a number of management skills that each beef producer should have to be successful. Raising beef cattle for profit can be a satisfying enterprise. ![]()
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