BEEF CATTLE

PRODUCTION
Definition of Terms:
• Bos taurus
• Cattle - generic, plural term for all cows, bulls, calves, heifers
and steers
• Herd - group of cattle
• Cow - female that has had at least one calf
• Bull - mature male used for breeding
• Calf - male or female less than 1 year old
• Heifer - female that has never had a calf
• Steer - young male that has been neutered
• Beef - the culinary name for meat from cattle
A. Overview of the Beef Cattle Industry
I. INVENTORY
• Cattle Situation Report, July-September 2022
• The country’s total cattle production increased to
52.61 thousand metric tons, liveweight in the third
quarter of 2022, from 51.97 thousand metric tons,
liveweight in the same quarter of the previous year.
• This indicates an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, a
recovery from a -2.6 percent drop in 2021.
• Northern Mindanao was the top producer of cattle during the
quarter with 16.3 percent share and estimated production of
8.56 thousand metric tons, liveweight.
• Completing the top five major producing regions and their
corresponding volume of production were:
b. Central Visayas with 5.63 thousand metric tons, liveweight;
c. Ilocos Region with 5.27 thousand metric tons, liveweight;
d. Western Visayas with 4.55 thousand metric tons, liveweight; and
e. SOCCSKSARGEN with 3.80 thousand metric tons, liveweight.
These regions accounted for 52.8 percent share of the
country’s total cattle production.
 In 2022, the total
number of cattle in
livestock farming in the
Philippines amounted
to approximately 2.56
million, reflecting a
slight decrease from the
previous year.
• As of 30 September 2022, the total cattle
inventory was estimated at 2.58 million
heads.
• Of the total cattle inventory, smallhold farms
accounted for 88.0 percent,
• while the remaining comprised the semi-
commercial farms and commercial farms with
corresponding shares of 9.1 percent and 2.9
percent. (Figure 2)
• Higher contribution in the country’s total
cattle population were reported in
1. Central Visayas - 13.1%
2. CALABARZON, - 9.8%
3. Ilocos Region - 9.6%
Western Visayas - 9.6%
II. SUPPLY AND DEMAND
• Beef is regarded as the most superior meat with
great taste.
• Consumers have indicated they are willing to pay
more for it compared to other proteins.
• This trend is particularly strong among wealthy
consumers (Source: MLA Global Consumer Tracker
Philippines 2016).
• The average farmgate price of cattle
for slaughter was PhP 161.79 per
kilogram, liveweight during the
reference quarter.
• This was 9.9 percent higher than the
previous year’s same period average
farmgate price of PhP 147.21 per
kilogram, liveweight. (Figure 4)
• During the reference quarter, the
highest farmgate price was observed
in September at PhP 169.44 per
kilogram, liveweight, while the lowest
was quoted in July at PhP 152.55 per
kilogram, liveweight.
III. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF
BEEF PRODUCTION
• Credit Facilities
• interested cattle raiser may avail the Multilivestock Dispersal
Loan Program (MDLP) implemented by the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI-DA)
• Competitiveness of the Local Market
• there is no competition on local beef sold especially in the market
• the income elasticity of demand for beef is also high, e.g., as the
income increases, people tend to buy more beef than any other
meats
• A plus factor for cattle production is
• the large marginal, underutilized land;
• the considerable supply of crop residues utilizable as feed especially in
small farms;
• a favorable climate for fodder production; and
• the underutilized manpower in the rural areas

• Technologies for cattle production and meat processing are

also available which can serve as bases for further
development
IV. CONSTRAINTS IN THE CATTLE
SECTOR
• Low Breeding Base
• the available breeding base is not enough to produce the
required number of cattle meat.
• the shortage is a result of the continuous and indiscriminate
slaughter of breeders, young female cattle and even
pregnant cows
• cattle has long gestation period from five to eight years
• Poor Nutrition and Herd Management
• this results to low productivity of cattle under local
conditions
• low Calf-crop is caused by absence of an efficient and
effective culling and selection programs, natural weaning
of young stock resulting in premature breeding and
• even inbreeding incidence of numerous farm-related
accidents, and non coordination of management with
seasonal factors
• Inefficient Heat Detection
• cows or heifers in small farms get out of heat without
breeding due to inefficient techniques.
• sometimes, if cow or heifers are properly detected for
heat, the absence of a bull or artificial insemination
services does not warrant breeding
V. INTERVENTIONS
• Several Artificial Insemination centers were established
throughout the country with mandates to improve the genetic
make-up of cattle.
• Semen from superior bulls were used to upgrade animals of cattle farmers
• Agricultural Technologist from government and NGO’s have done
trainings on Pasture and Forage management and on the use of
other farm resources in order to alleviate the nutritional
conditions of ruminant animals.
• Technology dissemination were promoted by AI technicians on
proper identification of in heat animals in order to improve
conception rate of AI serviced cows.
B. Beef Production Systems in the
Philippines
I. Ranching or Extensive System
• this is characterized by letting the animals graze on
the large, extensive pasture area such that pasture
is high because animals exercise selectively.
• since animals are the ones that harvesting the
pasture, labor requirements is low, and the cost of
feeding is low.
• Fencing the pasture area is necessary
Ranching or Extensive System
B. Beef Production Systems in the
Philippines
II. Feedlot Fattening Operation
• this is characterized by cut-and-carry system where forage
are harvested and brought to the animals
• it is therefore labor-intensive with a resultant high
production cost
• utilization of pasture can be maximized and lesser pasture
area is required.
• fencing the pasture area can be eliminated
Feedlot Fattening Operation
B. Beef Production Systems in the
Philippines
III. Backyard Cattle Raising or
Semi-subsistence or
Small Holder
• this is characterized by small population (less than 50 heads)
and the animals are usually tethered utilizing family labor
• feeding does not emphasize pasture production but more of
farm by-product utilization
Backyard Cattle Raising or Small Holder
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding &
Reproduction
I. BREEDS OF CATTLE
• breeds of cattle differ significantly in many features &
traits.
• no breed is superior to other breeds, however, some
breeds are more popular than the others
• the true value of a breed can be determined through
careful evaluation of the environment.
• There are breeds specialized for beef alone, others
are dual-purpose type (milk-beef), and some are
triple types (draft-milk-beef)
• The breed point are the practical guide to distinguish
a breed
• These are the specific details of the breeds distinct
standards that identify the breed, e.g.
• color
• horn formation
• length and shape of ears
• color of switch (tail-end)
• white-faced, etc.
Two types of cattle and their sources or origin
Hump cattle Humpless cattle
(Bos indicus) (Bos taurus)
• with the presence of hump • absence of hump
• include the Zebus from
India, Pakistan, Southeast • are the temperate
Asia and some islands in breeds of Europe and
the Pacific
• also known as, Tropical
Northern Asia.
Breeds
Importer beef cattle breeds were mostly adapted from Balkely and
Bade (1994) and Animal Breeders Service (DeForest, Wisconsin)

ANGUS ORIGIN - Northeastern Scotland

• are black and polled and excel in
marbling
• black hair and hide of an Angus
is a trademark for breeders and
packers alike
• excel in calving ease, growth
rate, maternal ability, and
carcass quality
BEEFALO ORIGIN -
Developed by D.C. Basolo of Tracy, California, USA

• the hybrid consists of 3/8 Bison,

3/8 Charolais, and 1/4 Hereford
• hardly, fast-growing, able to calve
without difficulty, resistant to
common cow diseases and
parasites, and able to produce a
tasty grass-finished product
BEEFMASTER ORIGIN -
Developed byDeveloped by the Lasater ranch in
Falfurrias, Texas, USA
• a cross of 1/2 Brahman, 1/4
Hereford, and 1/4 Shorthorn
• it achieved breed status in 1954
• no color restriction or standard
• it is generally medium in size,
producing medium-sized calves
with heavy weaning weights.
• mothering ability and milk
production are good
• the forage aggressively and
withstand hot weather and drought
 BRAHFORD ORIGIN - USA

• a cross Brahman and

Hereford
• medium in size
• with unusual color patterns
(brindled, mottled, and other
various conditions)
• produces medium-sized
calves with heavy weaning
weights
BRAHMAN ORIGIN - Developed in the USA from crossing pure
strains of Bos indicus imported from India such as
the Guzerat or Kankeraj, Krisna Valley, Nellore or
Ongole, and the Gyr
• grey or red in varying shades
• hind is relatively thin and
pliable, with abundant sweat
glands that allow the animal
to sweat freely through the
skin pores dissipating heat
• abundance of loose skin
serves to increase exposed
body-surfaced area cooling
BRAHMAN
• have well-developed subcutaneous muscle layer, which allows them to
shake localized areas of skin to dislodge insects
• an oily substance secreted through the skin is thought to repel some
insects
• breed longevity is great
• Mothering ability is rated high
• Milk production is good, and milk butterfat content averages over five
percent
• Cattle do well on poor range, and tolerate drought conditions well
CHAROLAIS ORIGIN - Province of Charolais, France

• color is white to cream or off-white

with some reddish pigmentation,
especially around the nose and eyes
and under the belly
• known for fast growth rate and high
carcass retail yield
• heavily boned and well-muscled
• soundness of feet and legs is a hallmark of the breed
• postweaning growth is very fast and feed efficiency is high, making the
cattle extremely desirable for beef production
HEREFORD
• the traditional “whiteface” cattle of
ORIGIN - Herefordshire, Central England

North America
• the red-coated animal varies in shades
from light yellow to cherry red
• the characteristic white faced is
accompanied by a white crest, breast,
belly, switch, and are usually white
below the knees and hocks
• known for their docile disposition and their ability to graze over rangeland
• they have thick curly coats of hair
• their hide is somewhat thick, providing good protection under range conditions
NELLORE
• is a Bos indicus, often referred as the
ORIGIN - India

Ongole cattle
• they are large-framed with shorter ears
and less brisket and dewlap
• they are white in color and black
markings and pigmentation, with less
hump and tighter sheaths than most
Bos indicus cattle
• the horns are short and pointed, with thick bases
• good fertility and fast growth are reasons for the breed’s popularity
 ORIGIN - First breed developed by US
SANTA breeder, so named after a creek than its
place origin, the King Ranch in Texas

GERTRUDIS
• recognized as a breed in 1940
• 5/8 Shorthorn and 3/8 Brahman
• dark red in color, exhibiting many
Brahman characteristics
• skin pigment is red
• hair coat is usually short, straight and slick
• the breed has excellent foraging ability, disease and pest resistance, hot
weather tolerance, calving ease and overall hardiness
SIMMENTAL ORIGIN - Western Switzerland

• an impressively large, muscular

beef animal known for its growth
rate, capacity, easy temperament
• they have strong, correct feet and
legs
• their color ranges from light yellow-
brown or straw to light or dark red
• females fertility and material
abilities are highly rated
SIMBRAH
ORIGIN - Created through the American
Simmental Association in 1977

• 5/8 Simmental and 3/8 Brahman

• it is semi-tropical adapted breed
with excellent growth rate and
outstanding maternal ability
• color can range from soil red to
yellow and are white spotted
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding &
Reproduction
II. CATTLE BREEDING
• many modern breeds of cattle have been introduced from
Europe, America and other parts of Asia before World War II
• mainly for upgrading the native stock
• A total of 27 beef breed and 3 draft cattle breeds have already
been imported in the Philippines since the early 1900s
• Historically, purebred temperate cattle were shown by local
researchers to be not adaptable to the tropical environment
• some imported purebreds have performed well
locally, but only when the environmental
conditions in which they are kept closely
approximated those in which they are originally
bred.
• the naturally slow reproduction rate and long
generation interval are typically identified as
major constraints in the commercial production of
hybrids from imported pure breeds
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding &
Reproduction
III. BREEDING SYSTEMS

• Breeding systems constitute several types of

matings where desirable genes are made to
combine in different ways by adopting one or more
of the systems of non-random matings
a. Inbreeding
• involves the mating of animals that are closely
related than the average of the population from
which they belong
• most cattle raisers are familiar with the
unfavorable effects of inbreeding, thus they tend
to avoid using the system as much as possible
• it reduces the animal’s vigor
• it also affects the growth rate, fertility, and
viability of the offsprings
b. Crossbreeding
• the mating of animanls from two or more
established purebreds
• commercial breeders use crossbreeding in their
herds to take advantage of complimentary and
hybrid vigor (heterosis)
• the increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate,
fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its
parents
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
IV. REPRODUCTION
Breeding Age and Target Weight
• properly-grown breeding heifers are usually bred at two years old to calve at
three years of age
• however, a well-developed 18 to 20 months old heifer can be bred to calve at
28 to 30 months (2 1/2 years)
• properly grown bulls on the range should be allowed to breed at two years old
Puberty is closely associated with live-weight, thus the term “target weight” in
breeding practices.
• Grades, for example, should weigh at least 250-300kg when bred
• Exotic breeds like American Brahman bulls should weigh at least 300kg before
breeding
Reproduction Physiology
ESTROUS CYCLE
• Bull and heifer calves reach puberty or age of sexual maturity at six to
eight months.
• Cows and sexually mature heifers normally undergo periodic heat
cycles (estrous cycle) which run from 18-24 days or an average of 21
days.
• The cow, shortly before the heat period isolates herself from the herd.
• She mounts other animals irrespective of sex.
• Also, she stands to be mounted by her herd-mates.
• An “in-heat” or sexually excited animal is sick and has no appetite to
eat.
• Later on, however, she becomes sociable again and she mixes with
the herd.
Estrous Cycle
Other signs of heat include the following:
• Reddening and swelling of the vulva accompanied by a clear mucous
discharge
• Restlessness and sometimes bellowing/mooing
• Frequent urination in small amounts

• Estrous normally lasts from 14 to 18 hours in exotic breeds.

• Indigenous and Zebu grades have shorter estrous period which
usually lasts from 10 to 12 hours
Reproduction Physiology
PREGNANCY
• Gestation period in cows is about 283 days.
• Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum, is
the essential hormone supporting pregnancy.
Reproduction Physiology
LABOR AND CALVING
• Initial mild contarctions last about 4 to 20 hours
• As the uterine contractions become severe, voluntary abdominal
muscle contraction begin.
• The calf is pushed against the cervix and then gradually forced out of
the birth canal.
• A fetal membrane breaks as the forelegs pass the vulva.
• As the calf leaves the vulva, the umbilical cord breaks; this time, the
calf must start to breathe.
• uterine contractions continue after calving to expel the placenta
• In some cases, the placenta retains for 12 hours or longer after
calving.
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
V. Some Indicators of Good Breed or Reproductive
Management
Selecting Cows and Heifers for Breeding
• Milking ability and femininity
 Mild maternal face with bright and alert eyes, good disposition, and quiet
temperament
 An udder of good size and shape, carried well forward and up behind
 An udder that is soft, flexible, and spongy to the touch, not fleshlike and
hard, and is expected to secrete more milk.
• Age
 In general, beef cows remain productive for 13 years if they start calving
at three years of age
 They are most productive from four to eight years of age
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
V. Some Indicators of Good Breed or Reproductive
Management
Selecting Cows and Heifers for Breeding
• Breeding ability and Ancestry
 Cows that calve regularly are desirable
 Calves from cows that do not give much profit
 Cows which milk most and lose flesh readily when nursing their claves,
generally put on flesh quickly
• Types and conformation
 An ideal beef cow has a rectangular frame
 She should be of medium width between the thurls and pins have the
necessary frame on which to hang profitable beef.
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
V. Some Indicators of Good Breed or Reproductive
Management
Selecting a Bull
• Physical appearance
 A fairly good middle or barrel indicates a well-developed
digestive system and healthy vital organs such as heart, the
liver ang lungs.
 A full heart girth, broad muzzle, large nostrils, muscular cheeks
and jaw, well-rounded thighs, and full loin, make a good
substitution
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
V. Some Indicators of Good Breed or Reproductive
Management
Selecting a Bull
• Sex character
 Well-developed and fully descendent testicles, fullness of front quarters as
indicated by thick muscles, deep wide chest, and broad head
• Purchase price
 A good bull commands the best price
 A poor bull when used for breeding is a poor buy even if bought at a give-
away price.
 therefore, in buying a bull, consider its genetic and physical characteristics
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
V. Some Indicators of Good Breed or Reproductive
Management
Selection of Fattening Cattle
• Age
 Young animals have striking advantages over older cattle
 They need less feed for every unit gain in weight because they can masticate and
ruminate thoroughly and can consume more feed in proportion to their body
weight.
• Disposition
 An active yet mild, quiet, and easily-handled steer usually grows fast and fattens
easily
 Restless, nervous, and erratic cattle waste too much energy when they panic even
at the slightest provocation
C. Beef Cattle Breeds, Breeding & Reproduction
V. Some Indicators of Good Breed or Reproductive
Management
Selection of Fattening Cattle
• Sex
 If fed for the same period of time, steers gain about 10% faster
than heifers and require 10%-15% less feed with equal weight gain
• Health consideration
 A healthy animal is active and has soft and smooth hair-coat
 The eyes are bright and the muzzle is usually moist.
D. Nutrition
Nutrition is often understood as simply feeding the cattle with
roughage and concentrate.
However, nrition comprises all processes in the collection and
utilization of feed to maintain life or produce a product.
In the animal, nutrition involves eating behavior or prehension,
digestion, absorption, circulation, respiration, metabolism and
excretion.
Nutrition is very important as it affects the animal performance.
The viability of a cattle project depends greatly on proper
nutrition.
1. Nutrition and their functions
• Nutrients are chemical compounds used by the animal for
maintenance and production.
• The basic classes of nutrients are:
a) Water
b) Carbohydrates
c) Lipids
d) Proteins
e) Minerals
f) Vitamins
A. WATER
• The body is composed of 50-75% water
• The water content of the body varies with age and condition
(degree of fatness)
• Water is the cheapest but the most important of all nutrients
• A mature cattle can consume an average 45 liter of water per day
• However, water consumption varies with the size of animal,
environmental temperature, and type of feed.
Functions of water:
• Water in the form of saliva in the mouth helps in
preparing dry feeds for swallowing, passage,
digestion, and excretion
• Helps in the formation of milk and new tissues
during growth and pregnancy
• Regulates body temperature
• Acts as reactant of many metabolic reactions in the
body
Water Sources:
1. Drinking water
2. Water contained in the feed
3. Metabolic water
B. CARBOHYDRATES
• Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
• Substances of this group include simple sugars, starch and
cellulose
• Carbohydrates make up about 75% of plants’ dry weight either
stored in the form of starch (in cereal grains) or cellulose (fiber
portion of plants)
• In ruminants, carbohydrates are fermented in the rumen by
microorganisms to yield volatile fatty acids (acetic, propionic,
and butyric) which are utilized by the animals as energy source.
• Thus, carbohydrates are the major source of energy in the
ration
C. LIPIDS
• Lipids are a wide variety of substances which vary from
simple short-chain fatty acids to very complex molecules.
• All lipids are insoluble in water and soluble in other or
similar organic compounds
• Fatty aids and triglycerides (fats and oils) are two most
important lipids in animal nutrition
D. PROTEIN
• All proteins are composed of subunits called amino acids
• Proteins have varied functions in the body
a) structural, as a component of soft tissues, muscle,
collagen, and elastin
b) enzymatic, e.g.; digestive enzymes
c) hormonal, e.g., insulin
d) transport, e.g., hemoglobin
e) defense, e.g., immune bodies; and
f) genetic material, e.g., genes
E. MINERALS
• Minerals are inorganic compounds in the body
• Mineral elements are generally divided into two categories:
a. macro-minerals, and b. micro-minerals
a. Macro-minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium,
sodium, chlorine, sulfure and magnesium
b. Micro-minerals include copper, iron, selenium,
cobalt,manganese, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, etc.
• In the body, mineral function as component of bones and teeth
(Ca and P), component of organic compounds (coenzymes in
metabolic reactions); and regular of acid-base balance and
osmotic pressure.
F. VITAMINS
• These are organic substances needed by the animals in small
amounts
• However, they play an important role in maintaining vigor,
health, and productivity of the animal
• Vitamins are divided into two large sub-groups:
a) Fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K)
b) Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex)
F. VITAMINS
• For ruminants, vitamin A, D, and E should be provided either in
the feed or as an injectable
• Water-soluble vitamins and vitamin K can be synthesized by
microorganisms in the rumen
• Upon digestion of these microorganisms, water-soluble
vitamins are obtained by the animal
2. Common Feeds of Ruminants

A. Pasture, Crop Residues, and Agro-industrial By-

Products
B. Silage
C. Urea in Cattle Rations
A. Pasture, Crop Residues, and Agro-
industrial By-Products
• For livestock production system based on fibrous crop residues like
rice straw, legumes are the best options.
• Legumes enhance ruminal digestion and some are good source of
bypass proteins necessary for increased animal performance.
• Species such as:
• Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)
• Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium)
• Stylo (Stylosanthes quianensis)
• Desmanthus (Desmanthus virgatus)
• Rensonii (Desmodium rensonii now D. cinerea)
• Sesbania (Sesbania sesban)
• Can easily be planted in the farmers backyard or along
boundaries and serve as fodder bank.
A. Pasture, Crop Residues, and Agro-industrial By-Products

• They can easily provide high-quality feed during the lean months
or dry season with minimal area taken out of a farmers cash crop
production area or none at all, if farm boundaries and farmer’s
backyards are utilized.

Ipil-ipil
Leucaena leucocephala
Kakawate
Gliricidia sepium
Pencilflower
Stylosanthes guianensis
Slender mimosa
Desmanthus virgatus
Desmodium
Desmodium rensonii
now D. cinerea
Sesban
Sesbania sesban
B. Silage
• Silage making offers a solution to the problem of erratic
feed supply brought about by wet and dry seasons.
• Improved grasses or grass-legume combinations can be
used to make a good silage.
C. Urea in Cattle Rations
• Nonprotein nitrogen (NPN)
• All animals protein for normal growth body
tissue development.
• Beef cattle belong to a class of animals called
ruminants
• This group has the ability to utilize dietary
NPN to meet part of their protein
requirements.