Best Practices for Cattle Pen Fattening. A thread...
Today, we delve into the fascinating world of pen fattening in beef cattle production. Let's dive in! #PenFattening #BeefCattle #AgribusinessExpert
📷 Courtesy
Today, we delve into the fascinating world of pen fattening in beef cattle production. Let's dive in! #PenFattening #BeefCattle #AgribusinessExpert
📷 Courtesy
1/ Pen fattening is a process where beef cattle are fed a diet rich in protein and energy for a period of 70 to 120 days under confined conditions. This method aims to enhance live weights and improve the quality of the carcass at the time of slaughter. #PenFattening #BeefCattle
2/ For a profitable pen-fattening operation, several factors need to be taken into account. These include the initial cost of weaner calves or stock cattle, feed, selling price of the fattened cattle, and the cattle's performance, which is largely influenced by mgnt practices.
3/ The use of high-quality feed is crucial. It's important to adhere to feeding guidelines and closely monitor the animals' performance during the induction period. #FeedQuality #Induction #BeefCattle
4/ Keeping accurate records is vital. Animals should be weighed and recorded prior to the induction phase. It's also recommended to vaccinate the cattle against Vitamin A deficiency and Botulism. #RecordKeeping #Vaccination #FeedingCycle
5/ When choosing animals for pen fattening, factors such as age, size, sex, and breed should be considered. Younger animals generally have a better feed conversion efficiency and tend to yield better results. #AnimalSelection #FeedConversionEfficiency #PenFattening
6/ The pens should be sturdy and provide sufficient space for each animal, whether housed individually or grouped by age, breed, and sex. Proper feed and water troughs should be prepared, with drinking water readily available, allowing for a minimum of 50 litres per animal/day
7/ Pre-fattening induction management is critical for feedlot animals. They should be treated against ticks, dosed against internal parasites, grouped according to size and breed, and administered Vitamin A injections and botulism vaccines. #InductionManagement #FeedlotAnimals
8/ It's recommended to ration the diet during the initial stages of induction. The diet should be rationed at about 50% of the total intake for the first two days, and then increased by 1kg every two days until around the 14th day when the diet is provided freely. #DietRationing
9/ Monitoring the health of the cattle is paramount. Regular health checks should be conducted to identify any potential issues early. This includes checking for signs of disease, monitoring body condition, and observing behaviour. Early detection and treatment of health is key.
10/ The quality of the feed is a significant factor in the success of pen fattening. The feed should be balanced and nutritious, providing all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients required for optimal growth and weight gain. #FeedQuality #Nutrition #BeefCattle
11/ Proper waste management is also essential in a pen fattening operation. This includes regular cleaning of the pens and proper disposal of waste to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain a healthy environment for the cattle. #WasteManagement #Hygiene #BeefCattle
12/ After the fattening period, the cattle should be prepared for market. This includes ensuring they are in optimal health, their weight is at the desired level, and they have a good body condition score. The market price should also be considered to ensure profitability.
13/ Continuous learning and improvement are key in the agribusiness sector. Stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and best practices in pen fattening to improve your operation's efficiency and profitability. #ContinuousLearning #Agribusiness #PenFattening
14/ Sustainability should be a priority in any agribusiness operation. Implement sustainable practices such as efficient use of resources, minimizing waste, and promoting animal welfare to reduce the environmental impact of your operation. #Sustainability #Agribusiness
15/ Lastly, strong leadership and effective communication are crucial in managing a successful pen-fattening operation. Inspire and motivate your team to share knowledge, and work together to achieve your goals. #Leadership #Communication #BeefCattle
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