Grass Fed vs. Grain Fed Cattle

I come from a family of beef producers. So on Easter, when my family all gets together, farming is usually the topic at the dinner table. While I sat, listening to my Dad and Uncle, an interesting topic caught my ears.

The controversy of grain finished cattle compared to grass fattened cattle has been present for many years. U.S. Wellness Meats is a company that prides itself in grass fed cattle and the nutritional value it brings to the table. In this video, U.S. Wellness Meats talks about how much better grass-fed cattle is compared to grain finished cattle. 

Grain Fed Cattle

Grass finished cattle may offer added health benefits to consumers since the cattle are consuming their natural diet. But is producing only grass fed cattle possible?  Grass fed cattle take a lot before they reach a market ready point. Grain fed cattle are ready to be processed in as little as 14-19 months. Grass finished cattle can take anywhere from 16 to 24 months to reach this stage.

Another issue with grass fed cattle is the fact that there is not enough grass to produce enough cattle to feed the world. When cattle are finished in feedlots, grain resources are abundant and cattle are converting feed to muscle more efficiently. In addition to the shorter time it takes to finish the animal, it is a lot cheaper to feed the cattle grain.


Not only is it cheaper for the producer to raise grain finished cattle, it is also cheaper for the consumer to purchase. Most grass fed beef also has labels such as organic and antibiotic free labels on the product. This raises the price of the product. This decreases the number of people who will choose to pay for the product.

While grass fed cattle do offer nutritional benefits, we still need to raise grain fed cattle. To feed the world and better use our resources, we should raise both types of cattle. Each method of finishing the cattle has its advantages and disadvantages so it comes down to how the producer wants to operate.


Sources:
http://www.beefusa.org/uDocs/Feedlot%20finishing%20fact%20sheet%20FINAL_4%2026%2006.pdf
https://www.highlandcattleusa.org/content/Grain%20Finished%20Beef.pdf

Is it calving season yet?

For many, calving season is already under way. But on my family's ranch we are patiently waiting for the first calf to arrive. Calving season is my favorite time of the year with the excitement of new born calves and the joy of new life all around you. However it can also get stressful if you are caught unprepared and your calves get sick

SCOURGAURD 4KC

In the weeks leading up to the due date for the cows, we have been busy getting ready for baby calves to arrive. One of the first things my family does is vaccinate all the cows. We give the cows a Scourguard 4KC shot that will help prevent the calves from getting diarrhea. You can learn more about Scourguard 4KC at https://www.zoetisus.com/products/beef/scourguard-4kc.aspx.

Electrolytes

When the calves do arrive, there is still a chance they could get scours even after vaccinating the cow. If a calf starts scouring, the calf will become dehydrated. As ranchers we always want to have electrolytes on hand. Electrolytes are given to scouring calves to help re-hydrate them. Based on the calf's condition, you must decide how much to give the calf. You can use guidelines such as the ones found at http://www.milkproduction.com/Library/Scientific-articles/Calf-Management/Scouring-calves-Oral-rehydration/. You must watch the calf and help make sure he gets back to health.

Along with preparing to fight scours, we also take measures to prepare for calving. The barns are bedded with straw, the calving pen set up and supplies gathered. The calving boxes get filled with tags and OB gloves.

And once the first calf drops, your life gets crazy busy!