Supply chain and integrated production considerations.

Abstract

AbstractThe entire production process from beginning to end is referred to as the supply chain. For this book, the supply chain considers the steps and efficiency of production from pregnancy in cows to consumer purchase. For some business models or enterprises the 'consumer' may be the people purchasing edible beef products, but it could also refer to commercial cow-calf producers that purchase breeding animals, feedlot managers or beef packing plant cattle buyers that purchase cattle. Animal identification where production practices are connected over time is an important component of identification of inefficiencies in beef supply chains. Reproductive success in cow herds sets the stage for animal numbers and production potential, and the number of cows in an operation, a region or a nation dictates the total cattle inventory that can be produced from within to supply a population. The ability to supply a variety of beef products to consumers, but where there is uniformity within a product line, are both critical functions related to consumer acceptance and long-term success. Production assurances that can be provided to consumers are also important business and industry considerations that increase potential for sustainability of beef production systems and supply chains.