|
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
|
Research & Links | ||
|
|
Photo Gallery |
|
COW-CALF OPERATIONSABOUT COW-CALF |
|
Backgrounding and FinishingAfter weaning, calves are over-wintered on a forage-based diet until their weight increases to about 900 pounds. This process is known as backgrounding. Some grain may be fed, however the amount is limited so the cattle don't gain weight too quickly. Feeding and bedding areas that are sheltered from the elements keep the young cattle comfortable and protected. At nine to 11 months of age, when they reach approximately 900 pounds, the young cattle are typically placed in a feedlot (penned yard) where they are brought to a finished weight of around 1,250 pounds (560 kilograms). Beef production in a feedlot begins with a diet made up of forages and is changed slowly until it is comprised of about 90 per cent grain. Grain-finishing produces tender, marbled beef. The cattle have plenty of room to move around in the open-air feedlot pens (some feedlot pens in Eastern Canada are covered to protect cattle from heavy snow or rainfall) and have free access to feed and water. Cattle will typically spend 60 to 200 days in a feedlot until they reach the optimum weight for being processed into beef. More information on feedlots. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
