For beef cattle farmers, the primary goal is to raise large, high-quality cattle that grow quickly and produce more meat while using fewer resources. This means achieving better feed efficiency and maximizing economic returns. To overcome factors that hinder weight gain, reduce feed costs, and improve profitability through scientific methods, it's essential to focus on several key strategies.
First, self-breeding plays a crucial role in the industry. As the saying goes, "The cow sees the cow, three years and five heads," highlighting how fast cattle reproduce and increase numbers. Breeding your own cattle is far more cost-effective than purchasing from the market. By increasing the number of breeding cows, you can boost the overall productivity of your herd and enhance the slaughter rate, which directly improves economic benefits. Additionally, raising your own calves helps prevent the spread of diseases that may come with imported animals.
Another important step is accelerating the hybridization of cattle breeds. Many local breeds have declined due to extensive feeding practices, leading to slower growth, smaller size, and lower meat production. The solution is to introduce high-performance breeds like Xia Lai Lai and crossbreed them with local cattle. Hybrid offspring are more efficient, eating less while growing faster and producing more meat. For example, 18-month-old hybrid cattle can reach up to 300 kg—over 50% heavier than their purebred counterparts. This not only enhances productivity but also significantly boosts profits.
Proper utilization of local forage resources is also vital. Cattle are naturally herbivores, capable of digesting roughage more efficiently than other livestock. Agricultural by-products such as straw can be used, but they are often low in quality and difficult to digest. To improve this, farmers should consider silage, ammoniation, or microbial processing of straw to enhance its nutritional value. Studies show that using 5 kg of silage corn straw or 4 kg of ammoniated wheat straw along with 1 kg of concentrate provides balanced nutrition, making feeding more effective and cost-efficient.
Feeding compound feed is another critical factor. Some farmers still rely on outdated feeding methods, where cattle are fed irregularly, leading to waste and poor growth. Using full-nutrient compound feed ensures that all dietary needs are met. A variety of feeds—ideally at least six different types—should be included to provide balanced nutrition. This not only encourages better eating habits but also prevents nutrient deficiencies and reduces feed waste. It's important to keep the feed fresh, avoiding freezing in cold weather and spoilage in hot conditions.
Finally, managing the right level of nutrition is essential for optimal growth. Cattle need adequate nutrients to convert energy into muscle and fat. Insufficient feeding can lead to slow growth or even weight loss. Proper nutrition levels should be maintained based on the animal’s stage of development. For instance, high-nutrient feeding before weaning and then gradually adjusting to medium or high levels afterward can maximize weight gain. Different feeding strategies, such as grazing combined with concentrated feed, can be tailored to achieve the best results in terms of both efficiency and profitability.
By implementing these scientifically backed methods, farmers can improve the health, growth, and productivity of their beef cattle while reducing costs and increasing returns.
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