Beef Farms Research Articles

Adoption of precision livestock farming technologies has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from beef production

To meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C, significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions will be needed across all sectors. This includes agriculture which accounts for a significant proportion of global GHG emissions. There is therefore a pressing need for the uptake of new technologies on farms to reduce GHG emissions and move towards current policy targets. Recently, precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies have been highlighted as a promising GHG mitigation strategy to indirectly reduce GHG emissions through increasing production efficiencies. Using Scotland as a case study, average data from the Scottish Cattle Tracing System (CTS) was used to create two baseline beef production scenarios (one grazing and one housed system) and emission estimates were calculated using the Agrecalc carbon footprinting tool. The effects of adopting various PLF technologies on whole farm and product emissions were then modelled. Scenarios included adoption of automatic weigh platforms, accelerometer-based sensors for oestrus detection (fertility sensors) and accelerometer-based sensors for early disease detection (health sensors). Model assumptions were based on validated technologies, direct experience from farms and expert opinion. Adoption of all three PLF technologies reduced total emissions (kg CO2e) and product emissions (kg CO2e/kg deadweight) in both the grazing and housed systems. In general, adoption of PLF technologies had a larger impact in the housed system than in the grazing system. For example, while health sensors reduced total emissions by 6.1% in the housed system, their impact was slightly lower in the grazing system at 4.4%. The largest reduction in total emissions was seen following the adoption of an automatic weight platform which reduced the age at slaughter by 3 months in the grazing system (6.8%) and sensors for health monitoring in the housed system (6.1%). Health sensors also resulted in the largest reduction in product emissions for both the housed (12.0%) and grazing systems (10.5%). These findings suggest PLF could be an effective GHG mitigation strategy for beef systems in Scotland. Although this study utilised data from beef farms in Scotland, comparable emission reductions are likely attainable in other European countries with similar farming systems.

Comparison of Antibiotic Use and the Frequency of Diseases Depending on the Size of Herd and the Type of Cattle Breeding.

Diseases are responsible for losses in livestock production by increasing animal mortality and reducing productivity. The administration of antibiotics can help mitigate these negative effects. However, inappropriate use can lead to severe complications, such as raising antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of antibiotic use and disease frequency over four years, based on the size of dairy farms and the type of farm. The study covered a 4-year period and included medium dairy farms (20-50 cows, n = 13), large dairy farms (>250 cows, n = 8), and large beef farms (n = 8). The collected data involved antimicrobial use but also included farm demographics, animal health, disease frequency, and herd management practices. The criteria used to categorise antibiotics into groups A-D were based on the EMA guidelines. The carried-out study showed that the large dairy cattle farms had the highest antibiotic consumption (18.29 mg·PCU-1), due to the high frequency of diseases, and consequently, the treatment of calf (diarrhoea, lung inflammations) and cow diseases (general treatment and mastitis). Cattle on large beef farms suffer mainly from general diseases caused by maintenance and herd management conditions. The use of restrict antibiotics was, in some cases, unjustified (antibiotics for dry cow therapy). Future studies should consider a larger number of farms, taking into account the given direction of cattle production.

Exploring Sustainability and Efficiency of Production Models in the Spanish Beef Cattle Industry through External Logistic Biplot

Livestock farming, especially the beef cattle sector, plays a crucial role in the economy and social and environmental balance and occupies a prominent position in Spain. The aim of this study is to highlight the positive impact of this sector in socioeconomic, food, natural heritage conservation, and environmental management aspects in order to obtain an accurate profile of the national panorama and to propose sample subgroups. For this purpose, 252 beef cattle farms in Spain were examined in detail, and the external logistic biplot (ELB) was used with a multivariate approach and from an algebraic and computational perspective. By addressing aspects such as infrastructure, feeding strategies, waste management, biodiversity, productivity, and sustainability, similarities and differences between cattle farms have been obtained, providing an analytical tool for the livestock sector and generating key knowledge on its functioning and contributions to society and the environment. The analysis revealed accuracy in the zootechnical classification of livestock farms, their feeding strategies, and genetics. Finally, significant regional differences in prevailing livestock practices were identified.

Technical Efficiency and Allocative Efficiency of Beef Cattle Fattening in the Content of Digital Economy: An Empirical Study Based on Survey in China

This study applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) to gauge technical efficiency and allocative efficiency in China’s beef cattle-fattening industry using survey data. The Tobit model considers the salient determinants that drive these efficiencies. The results indicate that (1) large-scale farms exhibit robust TE and pure technical efficiencies (PTE), whereas scale efficiencies (SE) diverge significantly between large and medium-sized operations. The cost efficiency (CE) of smaller farms lags behind their larger counterparts, with the latter displaying greater revenue efficiencies (RE) and profit efficiency (PE). (2) The influence of identical factors on the efficiency of beef cattle fattening production can vary, sometimes antithetically, across different scales. Local policy interventions must be differentiated according to farm type and size. (3) The unique context of China’s national conditions and the status quo of livestock farming render the dual implementation of environmental regulations and technological subsidies less viable for Chinese beef cattle farms. These entities should prioritize production over technological innovation and advancement. Policymakers should adopt strategies such as targeted skill/technological training for farm managers at particular scales of operation. This could represent a critical trajectory to augment the efficiency of beef cattle production and increase beef yield in China.

Analysis of Beef Cattle Farming Development for Enhancing Food Security and Regional Development in Simalungun Regency, Indonesia

Analysis of Beef Cattle Farming Development for Enhancing Food Security and Regional Development in Simalungun Regency, Indonesia

Intensively Reared Nelore Steers with Levels of Concentrate and Protein Sources during the Dry Season.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus), totaling five animals (testers) per paddock. The strategies consisted of two LCs [10 and 16.7 g·kg-1 body weight (BW)] and two PSs with DDGS and SBM in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The chemical, structural, and productive characteristics of the forage were evaluated, as well as the performance, productivity, and serum parameters of the supplemented animals. The forage presented a greater L:C (p = 0.033) and CP content (p = 0.007) when the lowest LC was used. Animals that received the highest LC had the highest supplement intake (p < 0.001) and the lowest pasture intake (p < 0.001). The nutritional strategy with an LC of 16.7 g·kg-1 of body weight (BW) resulted in a greater increase in total BW, i.e., 200 kg·BW ha-1 more. Therefore, higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing, and DDGS can replace SBM in supplements used in the intensive raising of beef cattle on pasture without compromising the performance and productivity of the animals.

Phosphorus in farm roadway substrates: contrasting spatial and temporal patterns in dairy and beef farms

The mobilisation and impact of roadway runoff on dairy farms has been established as a sub-component of the nutrient transfer continuum. It is acknowledged that fresh nutrient sources deposited on roadways dominate runoff and recent work has shown that available phosphorus (P) in roadway substrates is also an important source component. The objectives of this study were to understand spatial and temporal available P concentrations in roadway substrate (aggregate and soil mix) across dairy and beef farms during the open (February–October, when cows use the roadway network and fields) and closed (November–January, when cows were housed) periods and identify locations which could be considered critical source areas (CSA). For the study, roadway substrate samples were taken at 18 locations on each farm, across eight sampling periods, and were analysed for available P. Results showed that mean available P concentrations (Morgan’s P) in the sampling locations ranged from 15.9 to 101.4 mg L-1 for the Dairy Farm, from 4.1 to 59.4 mg L-1 for Beef Farm 1 and from 6.3 to 23.2 mg L-1 for Beef Farm 2. In open period, the results showed that mean available P concentrations were 75.4 ± 30.9, 14.9 ± 3.2 and 13.4 ± 2.5 mg L-1 for the Dairy Farm, Beef Farm 1 and Beef Farm 2, respectively. In closed period, the mean available P were 40.3 ± 17.2, 10.4 ± 1.0 and 9.8 ± 0.2 mg L-1 for Dairy Farm, Beef Farm 1 and Beef Farm 2, respectively. Overall, P concentrations on the Dairy Farm roadways was up to 4 times greater than that in the Beef Farms’ roadways. Compared to soils in adjacent fields, P concentrations in the Dairy and Beef Farms roadways was up-to 7 and 2 times higher, respectively. Critical roadway sections that required mitigation were two in the Dairy Farm, one in Beef Farm 1 and two in Beef Farm 2. In addition to fresh faeces and urine (i.e., dominant source of nutrients in farm roadways), this study showed that nutrient enriched roadway materials are a labile P source. Thus, future mitigation of roadway runoff must consider all roadway nutrient sources, including livestock fresh excreta as well as used roadway surface materials.

Policies Affecting the Efficiency of Beef Production in Alberta: A Supply Chain Analysis

Shoppers face high beef prices at the supermarket, but those prices are not a reflection of what Canadian farmers and ranchers earn from their cow-calf herds. In the past 30 years, the average beef producer’s operating margin has never reached $50,000, despite the fact that the average beef farm’s asset base stands at more than $2 million. Better access to export markets, including the U.S., South Asia and North Africa, would help to remedy the producers poor returns. Export prices would need to cover production costs, the largest of which is feed for the producers’ cattle herds, accounting for 77 per cent of the average ranch’s cash costs. As of July 2023, Alberta’s herd consisted of 1.77 million beef and dairy cows. With demand for livestock-derived food expected to jump by 38 per cent in the next 30 years, Canadian cattle ranchers need to take advantage of this global increase through freer trade. Canadian beef can remain competitive globally if the supply chain accesses world markets beyond the U.S., especially in developing countries where consumer incomes are increasing. The industry also needs investments in research, farm extension and supply chain co-ordination from national and provincial self-funded producer groups. Producers must look outward to global trade but be ready to capture new innovations at home. The dominant economies of scale are available to beef processors and finding savings is difficult for farmers and ranchers. However, there is potential for the supply chain to see savings from new technology, which is why investment in continuing support for ranch-level production research is necessary. Producers also need to focus on national co-ordination aimed at protecting trade access and responding to trends in consumer demand for beef. Any new industry policies must also consider key factors that currently affect market demand and expansion including: changing consumer preferences globally, the welfare of animals raised for slaughter and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on supply chain sustainability. As some of the output and byproducts of the grain production sector provide feed for cattle, policies meant to support the grain sector may be indirectly influencing the beef sector significantly — for good and bad. Infrastructure required for worker safety, animal welfare improvements or improved food safety also adds to the cost of the beef supply. Protectionist trends and increased tariffs pose a threat to the supply chain because they too can create new costs. This is why access to foreign markets is crucial for producers, along with continued investment in research, sector-wide co-ordination to support market access and reviewing crop support to ensure livestock producers are compensated if grain policy changes harm them. Although live animals and much processed Canadian beef are exported to the U.S., fostering good trade relations in Asia and Africa is vital, given the growth in incomes and consumer demand for beef that is predicted for those regions. Free trade is the basis of good agriculture policy and any move towards protectionist policies and higher tariffs is the biggest threat for new costs in the supply chain. Canada’s beef sector requires low-cost access to foreign markets, making free trade policy the single most important policy focus for the sector.

Prospects for Development of Integrated Beef Cattle and Cashew Farming in Muna Regency

The study aimed to find out the prospects of Development integrated farming business of beef cattle and cashew nuts. The study was carried out from March to May 2021. Respondents of the study consisted of beef cattle farmers who also grow cashew nuts. Sample of the location were determined purposively for a reason that not all sub districts are located in Muna regency, only a few out of 22 sub districts in total. Samples of sub districts and villages were selected purposively on a consideration that there were both beef cattle cattle and cashew nuts in the selected sub districts and villages. Samples of cattle breeders were determined with a random sampling, meaning that all breeders had equal opportunities to be selected. Data and the study were obtained by means of direct interviews, which were analyzed by Feasibility Tally Sheet. Based on the research results can be concluded. The research results show that integrated cattle and cashew farming has prospects for development with each rating, namely technical (7), economic (7), social (4), financial (4) and factors management (6) .

Community Perceptions of Beef Cattle Farm Sustainability in Tanjung Selamat, Medan Tuntungan, North Sumatra

Community Perceptions of Beef Cattle Farm Sustainability in Tanjung Selamat, Medan Tuntungan, North Sumatra

SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF BOVINE RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS IN DAIRY AND BEEF CATTLE HERDS IN REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the important causative agents of Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in cattle all over the world. The present study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of BRSV in dairy and beef cattle farms in Bulgaria. A total of 418 serum samples from 19 farms were tested using a commercial ELISA antibody test kit. The average rate of seroprevalence was 78.9 % indicating a high level of exposure to the virus. In dairy and beef farms the seropositivity of BRSV was found to be 81.8%, and 72.7%, respectively. Evaluation of some risk factors reveals that the BRSV antibody prevalence was related to age, herd size, import of animals and season. This study demonstrates that infection is one of the common reasons of respiratory diseases in cattle which may have a significant influence on health and performance.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Success of Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) in Jepon District, Blora Regency

Abstract This study aims to investigate the factors that influence the success of artificial insemination, the effect of successful artificial insemination on livestock rearing, and the income of beef cattle farmers in Palon Village, Jepon District, Blora Regency. The research method is quantitative descriptive with a survey approach. Primary data were obtained through direct observations, interviews, and questionnaires with beef cattle farmers in Palon Village and inseminators of the Food, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Office (DP4) of Blora Regency, while secondary data were obtained from DP4 and the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) of Blora Regency. Multiple linear regression and beef cattle farming analysis were used in this study. The findings show that the number of repeat breeding cases in Palon Village remains significantly high. Several factors were identified as influencing the success of artificial insemination, including female livestock characteristics, thawing and handling semen, breeder conditions, and inseminators’ skills and attitudes. Livestock health, administration of anthelmintics and vitamins, rectal palpation examination, body condition score, age of the breeder, feed, and the origin or breed of the livestock are all important characteristics of female livestock. The handling and thawing of semen were discovered to be critical factors influencing the type of straw used. Farmer conditions, which include age, education level, length of time involved in beef cattle farming, basic livelihood, and the number of owners, also play a role. Age, experience in the field, and the extent of training received were discovered to influence the success of artificial insemination. Repeated mating contributes to increased maintenance costs and the costs associated with artificial insemination in beef cattle.

A survey of potential and frequency used of local feedstuffs in the concentrate formulations for beef cattle feedlot in Indonesia

Abstract In Indonesia, the most popular system of beef cattle farming is a feedlot system, in which cattle are fattened for 3-6 months before being marketed. For a feedlot system to be successful, the availability of feed throughout the production process is important. Local feedstuff is commonly utilized as concentrate feed for beef cattle. This study aimed to identify the types of local feedstuff, the factors affecting their selection and availability, and the supply chain, particularly in feedlots across Indonesia. The study involved surveys, through questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Farm, feed mill, and supplier of feed visits were made and the management were interviewed regarding the feed commonly used in the farm and feed mills. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the local feedstuff’s availability and potential in the feed supply. The research results show that the local feedstuff most frequently used in sequence were palm kernel meal (11.97%), solid tapioca waste/onggok (9.83%), molasses (8.97%), dried cassava chips (8.55%), coffee husks (7.26%), copra meal (7.26%), bran pollard (6.84%), rice bran (5.13%), rice husks (5.13%), and corn cobs (5.13%). The important factors for selecting the types of feedstuffs used were demand (26.3%) and availability (26.3%). The most important factor impacting the availability of feedstuff was the harvesting season (26%). Feedstuff suppliers consist of four types: producers, distributors, agents, and retailers who fill customer demand, with distributors being the most dominant choice.

Smallholder farmers’ decision-making style in the process of adopting beef cattle feed innovation in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta

Abstract Decision-making style describes anecdotally the way each individual makes decisions. The aim of this research was to analyse the decision-making style of farmers in the process of adopting innovative feed for beef cattle fattening. This research is a case study of a group of beef cattle farmers in Kapanewon Bantul, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The method for determining groups uses a purposive sampling method. Respondents in this study were all members of groups determined using the census method. Data collection was carried out by direct interviews with respondent farmers using prepared instruments. The data collected was analysed descriptively. Farmers’ decision-making styles based on rational (81.2%), intuitive (72.3%), and dependent (63.4%) dimensions are in the high category, while avoidant (54.4%) and spontaneous (64.4%) decision making styles are in the medium category. The conclusion in this research is that smallholder farmers are very careful in making decisions. Strong priorities emerge for the rational decision-making style. Fattening cattle farmers have considered the risks and benefits of the profits obtained when having to make decisions about using feed innovation because it is seen as a determinant in the livestock business.

Technical Guidance on The Integration of Cattle and Food Crops in Sindang Kasih Village, South Konawe District

This technical guidance aims to provide understanding to cattle breeders regarding the benefits of integrating cattle and food crops in one area so that participants are motivated and encouraged to carry out integration between cattle and food crops. This technical guidance was implemented at Sindang Kasih Village, West Ranomeeto District. Implementation of technical guidance uses lecture and discussion methods. The tools and materials used are vehicles, cell phones, and laptops. In general, Cattle Farmers in Sindang Kasih Village already understand the integration of cattle and food crops and its benefits and are committed to implementing this integration as indicated by the ability of all participants to answer questions correctly at the end of the activity session (100%). The challenges and problems of beef cattle farming include maintenance and waste processing systems. Integrating livestock with food crops in Sindang Kasih Village has been implemented well. The livestock in Sindang Kasih needs to be further improved to become one of the breeding and fattening centers in Southeast Sulawesi.

The veterinarian’s role in reducing GHG emissions from beef and dairy production

The beef and dairy industries make significant contributions to sustainability objectives by providing our society with nutri­tious food, supporting farmers’ livelihoods, generating billions of dollars in economic activity, and contributing to healthy ecosystems. However, cattle production also generates negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emis­sions. Veterinarians have a unique opportunity to interface with beef and dairy farmers to assist with the implementation of products and practices that reduce GHG emissions, such that their clients can be more profitable and more sustainable. In general, the GHG intensity of beef and dairy production can be reduced by increasing output yields of beef and milk, while re­ducing inputs and maximizing efficiency. Some of the specific interventions include: early entry of feeder cattle to a feedlot, dry manure management, optimized inorganic nitrogen fertil­izer use, increased fat in the ration, use of anti-methane feed additives and ionophores, sourcing low-carbon corn, select­ing genetics for high feed efficiency, raising moderate/small mature beef cows and feed efficient dairy cows, improving pregnancy rate and reducing dystocia, conducting pregnancy checks, implementing artificial insemination, promoting herd health products and practices to reduce death loss, using growth-promoting implants, and utilizing SOP Lagoon®. As a trusted source of scientific information, veterinarians can be a conduit of information for producers and contribute to the ongoing effort to improve the resiliency of the beef and dairy industries.

Access of information, control, and benefits for women in beef cattle farming households in Lakitan Utara Nagari, Pesisir Selatan Regency

The objective of this study was to analyze the access of information, control, and benefits for women in beef cattle farming households in Lakitan Utara Nagari, Pesisir Selatan Regency, Sumatera Barat Province. This study employed a descriptive approach using survey and involved 100 families. The survey comprised of questionnaires and interviews. Results showed that women gained access of information mostly from their farming counterparts. They also have the access to and control for decision making on resources and livestock care. These women also enjoyed the benefits from farming beef cattle.

Identification the effective group size to enhance social capital in beef cattle farmers group in Indonesia

Strengthening the cattle farmer groups in Indonesia cannot be separated from their social capital supports, including developing trust, norms, relationships, and networks. There is a question about how many members in a farmers group can produce high levels of social capital. This study aimed to identify the group size to enhance the social capital within a cattle farmers group. The study was conducted through a survey method on 147 Kebumen Ongole Crossbreed cattle farmers using a multistage sampling method. The descriptive statistical method and two-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The cattle farmer groups were divided into three categories: category I (<15 farmer members), category II (15-20 farmer members), and category III (> 20 farmer members). The results show that the social capital of farmer groups in Kebumen Regency, Indonesia was classified into high (score =120.80). There was a significant difference of social capital among group categories (P<0.05). The group with 15-20 farmer members had the highest social capital (score=126.77) when compared to the other groups in different categories. Therefore, various efforts to enhance the social capital should be systematically developed, starting by forming farmer groups with number of memberships 15 to 20 farmers per group.

Profit analysis of beef cattle business as agrotechnopark development effort in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi

This study aims to know the profit gain of the beef cattle business and the influencing factors. It used primary data and secondary data. The former was collected through questionnaires and the latter was obtained from the statistic office of North Bolaang Mongondow Regency. The sampling village was first selected using a purposive sampling method, then 30 respondents were randomly selected. Data analysis applied a cost-benefit analysis and regression model to detect the profit-influencing factors. Results showed that the mean profit of the beef cattle farmer per year was IDR. 2,241,893. Feed, calve, and labor simultaneously significantly affected the profit of the calve farmers in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency (α = 0.01).

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Beef Cattle Farming through the Implementation of Animal Welfare Principles, as Part of Sustainable Rural Area Development

The beef cattle farming industry is facing a dual challenge - the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change and the imperative to enhance the daily weight gain of cattle to meet growing global demand for meat. The integration of animal welfare principles stands out as a crucial and multifaceted solution that not only mitigates greenhouse gas emissions but also improves the daily weight gain of beef cattle. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of animal welfare guidelines plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By providing cattle with appropriate nutrition, minimizing stress, and ensuring a healthy and stress-free environment, the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can be significantly lowered. This approach is not just ecologically responsible; it is essential for meeting international climate commitments and preserving the health of the planet's ecosystems. In addition to its environmental benefits, the integration of animal welfare practices has a profound economic impact. Healthy and content cattle are more likely to exhibit efficient digestion and increased feed utilization, leading to higher daily weight gains. This directly improves the productivity and profitability of beef cattle farming operations. Furthermore, the production of higher-quality meat from well-cared-for animals can drive market demand and revenue, strengthening the industry's economic viability.