Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies

Beef cattle farming is a business that continues to grow in the United States and around the world, and it will only grow larger as the demand for beef continues to increase. Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies provides you with an introduction to all aspects of raising beef cattle. Packed with expert tips from experienced farmers, it gives any level of cattle-raiser the tools needed to increase the quantity and quality of your farm's output and maintain a healthy herd.

Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies is the go-to resource for aspiring cattle farmers. With important information on health, handling, and breeding, and detailed coverage of equipment and supplies, it is teeming with useful information that anyone interested in raising cattle should have.

• Advice on which beef cattle breeds to rear
• The prevention and treatment of common diseases
• Caring for pregnant heifers and calving procedures
• Dietary specifications dependent on breed
• Guidance on humane management
• Creating an open and safe pasture habitat

If you're an aspiring cattle farmer looking to begin raising cattle or an established raiser interested in expanding your herd, Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies has you covered.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting to Know Beef Cattle 7

Chapter 1: The Rewards and Responsibilities of Raising Beef Cattle 9

Chapter 2: Bovine Basics: Understanding Cattle Terminology and Anatomy 23

Chapter 3: From Angus to Zebu: Looking at Beef Cattle Breeds and Traits 35

Part II: Preparing to Bring Home the Beef 53

Chapter 4: Home on the Range: Preparing Your Facilities 55

Chapter 5: Chow Time: Planning Your Feeding Program 79

Chapter 6: Exploring Pasture, Manure, and Water Management 107

Chapter 7: Choosing and Buying Cattle 127

Part III: Cattle Handling, Health, and Breeding 145

Chapter 8: Understanding and Properly Handling Cattle 147

Chapter 9: Keeping Your Cattle Healthy 165

Chapter 10: Addressing Common Cattle Ailments 191

Chapter 11: Breeding Cows and Caring for Pregnant Females 213

Chapter 12: Looking After Calves Young and Old 241

Part IV: Realizing Your Cattle Business Potential 261

Chapter 13: Turning Your Extra Pastures into a Money-Making Business 263

Chapter 14: Showing and Selling Cattle 275

Chapter 15: Managing Your Beef Business 293

Part V: The Part of Tens 311

Chapter 16: Ten Common Mistakes to Avoid When Raising Cattle 313

Chapter 17: Ten (or so) Bizarre Bovine Behaviors and What They Mean 321

Index 327

Nikki and Scott Royer, graduates of the Purdue University School of Agriculture, raise cattle on their diversified family farm in Indiana. In addition to raising the calves from their own cow herd, the Royers also purchase and finish feeder cattle from other producers.

Your hands-on guide to raising and caring for beef cattle

If you're an aspiring cattle farmer looking to begin raising cattle or an established herder interested in expanding your herd, Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies is your go-to resource. Chock-full of useful information that anyone interested in raising cattle should have, this useful guide provides important information on herd health, handling, and breeding, as well as detailed coverage of equipment and supplies.

• Getting to know moo — take a look at the benefits and potential concerns of raising cattle, grasp the vocabulary that goes along with it, and get an intro to a broad array of cattle breeds

• Bring home the beef — find out how to prepare your pastures, fences, and corrals, and get to know what your cattle like (and need) to eat and drink

• Cattle care — get acquainted with bovine behavior, common cattle diseases, injuries, and treatments, and time-tested recommendations for caring for cattle at different stages of the life cycle

• "Greener" pastures — discover the many ways to profit from your cattle business, from using pastures and grazing, showing and selling cattle, and selling beef direct to customers

Open the book and find:

• Plain-English explanations of cattle terminology and anatomy

• Beef cattle breeds and traits

• How to prep your facilities for keeping cattle

• Trusted guidance on planning a feeding program

• Expert advice on pasture, manure, and water management

• How to translate the "moo" and decipher body language

• Ways to keep your bovines healthy

• Information on feeding cattle a finishing diet and working with beef processors

Learn to:

• Humanely handle, care for, and breed beef cattle

• Prevent, evaluate, and treat common cattle ailments

• Create an open and safe habitat for cattle