Animal Sciences Commons^™

Sp696-Considerations When Selecting A Commercial Squeeze Chute, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Producers considering the purchase of a commercial squeeze chute have a number of factors to consider before making the nal decision. A squeeze chute is a sizable investment for most producers. Since the squeeze chute plays such an important part in the management of the beef herd, it is critical that producers select the best available squeeze chute that will meet their needs. This is too great an investment for a critical mistake to be made in the selection process.

Sp695-Managing Cattle For A Wholesome Food Product, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

The goal of every beef producer should be to produce the highest-quality animals possible. A critical part is the way animal health practices are administered. Following recommended guidelines when giving medications and vaccines results in healthier animals, fewer carcass blemishes and a more wholesome food product. Managing cattle with the goal of producing a wholesome food product results in beef that consumers can purchase with confidence.

When working with cattle, it is important to do the job right. Producers need to learn how to correctly perform recommended management practices. This will include vaccinations, implanting, castrating, deworming and other practices.

Sp694-Implant Cattle Properly, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

When used properly, growth-stimulating implants offer the commercial cow-calf producer a fast, easy-to-use method of increasing the weaning weight of calves. Implants have been proven effective through research, as well as through routine use in the beef industry.

Implanting is a relatively easy management practice to perform; however, adequate restraint of the animal is required. If inadequate facilities are available, consideration should be given to purchasing/constructing needed components.

Sp693-Evaluate Your Beef Cattle-Handling Facilities, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

One of the keys to maximizing returns from a commercial cow-calf enterprise is the timely application of basic management practices. Many of these practices require that the cattle be worked several times a year. Without adequate cattle-handling facilities, these practices are either delayed or completely neglected.

Producers desiring to upgrade current facilities or construct or purchase new facilities may apply for a cost-share through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Premise identification and Beef Quality Assurance certification are prerequisites for applying for the funds. Approval of the request must be received before items are …

Sp692-Castration Of Beef Calves, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Castration is a management practice that should be performed on all male beef calves. Castration, the removal of the testicles of a bull by either surgical or non-surgical methods, is recommended because of consumer preference, for economic considerations and to improve the temperament of cattle.

Sp691-Biosecurity For The Beef Herd, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Biosecurity incorporates those management practices aimed at keeping new diseases off the farm and keeping diseases from spreading from group to group on the farm. Biosecurity is the cheapest and most effective method of disease control, since vaccinations cannot eliminate disease and treatment can only reduce losses. Most cattle diseases are spread by cattle blood, saliva, manure, urine or exhaled air. Special attention must be paid to reducing contact from animal-to-animal or animal-toobject- to-animal. This is best done by a combination of animal isolation and control of movement onto and around the farm, as well as cleaning and disinfection.

Sp690-Handling Facilities For Beef Cattle, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Beef cattle producers need good handling facilities if they are to perform recommended management practices (vaccinating, identifying, castrating, dehorning, implanting, deworming, checking for pregnancy, etc.) Producers planning to purchase a squeeze chute or other handling-facility components may apply for a cost-share through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Premise identi cation and Beef Quality Assurance certi cation are prerequisites for applying for the funds. Approval of the request must be received before items are purchased.

A good handling facility allows for the treatment of animals, reduces the possibility of injury to both animal and …