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Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Chapter

Ten Beef cattle production

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Introduction

In this chapter, you will learn principles and practices underlying the efficient
and effective beef production, including aspects of housing, breeding, basic
animal health, management, feeding, and calf rearing. In addition, you will learn
about beef harvesting, processing and marketing. The competencies developed
from this chapter will enable you to engage in the beef value chain to generate
income.

Think

Meat on the move, wealth on four legs

The concept of beef cattle production

Beef cattle production is the practice of raising cattle primarily for meat (beef),
which is a significant source of protein, minerals such as iron, and essential
vitamins crucial for human health. Unlike dairy cattle, kept for milk, beef cattle
are bred and managed for body growth and meat quality. Proper feeding, health
management, breeding, and housing are necessary for good performance. Under
good management, beef cattle grow quickly, and healthily, and yield high-quality
meat that is safe for consumption.
Apart from meat, beef cattle offer other valuable products, by-products and
services. For instance, hides are processed into leather for shoes, belts and other
goods. Cattle manure is used for enriching the soil, leading to improved crop
yields. In some communities, cattle are a source of farm power (draught power),
especially for tilling land or pulling carts (transportation). Cattle are also deeply

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