Beef cattle production and management
Practical Action
Body condition assessment
All cows should be condition scored shortly before calving, at start of the bulling season and at
weaning or start of the drying season. In addition, a sample of cows should be scored at about
monthly intervals. This will provide information that is invaluable in achieving optimum
condition for higher fertility, provides a guide to supplementary feed levels, a check of summer
performance, and can be used in culling and selection.
Summarise the lesson by discussing with the participants the following:
1. What is a burdizzo and how is it used? Why is it important to cattle?
2. What are the recommended dehorning methods in Mbire District?
3. How do local cattle producers house their animals?
Using the information provided in this session, discuss in detail: castration,
dehorning, dosing, dipping, weighing and handling facilities.
Summary
The chapter has provided an insight into the recommended construction of handling facilities
and routine management practices that are used for beef cattle production. Farmers should
strive to adopt and adhere to these best practice methods to improve on their beef cattle
production and management.
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