Benvenuti in Selko®. Questo sito è disponibile anche in italiano.

Benvenuti in Selko®. Questa pagina è disponibile anche in italiano.

Visita il sito Rifiuta

Bienvenido a Selko®. Este sitio también está disponible en español

Bienvenido a Selko®. Esta página también está disponible en inglés

Visitar la web Cancelar

Vítejte ve společnosti Selko®. Tyto stránky jsou k dispozici také v češtině

Vítejte ve společnosti Selko®. Tato stránka je k dispozici také v angličtině

Navštivte stránky Zrušit

Vítame Vás na Selko®. Táto stránka je k dispozícii aj v slovenskom jazyk.

Vitajte v spoločnosti Selko®. Táto stránka je k dispozícii aj v slovenskom jazyku.

Prejdite na webovú lokalitu Zrušit

Bem-vindo à Selko®. Este site também está disponível em língua portuguesa.

Bem-vindo à Selko®. Esta página também está disponível em português.

Visite o site Cancelar

Select your sector:

Balancing growth, feed efficiency, and carcass quality in grazing beef cattle operations

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, grazing and pasture beef farming stands out as a time-honored yet innovative approach to raising beef cattle. This method emphasizes natural grazing of beef cattle on open pastures, which not only benefits the animals and the environment but also holds significant promise for farmers seeking efficiency and profitability of their beef farming operations. Central to the success of grazing beef farming are three critical factors: growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass quality. By optimizing these elements, farmers can ensure their beef farming operations are both productive and sustainable.

Why growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass quality of grazing beef cattle matter

Growth performance of grazing beef cattle
Growth performance of beef refers to the rate at which beef cattle gain weight and mature. It's a critical factor because it directly impacts the time it takes for cattle to reach market weight, which in turn affects profitability of beef farming Faster growth means less time and fewer resources are needed to raise the cattle, allowing farmers to bring their products to market more quickly.

A trial1,2 was carried out in grazing beef cattle in Brazil. Two groups of grass fed Nellore cattle were fed a supplement for beef cattle containing copper sulphate and zinc oxide or the same supplement containing Selko IntelliBond C and Selko IntelliBond Z. Dry matter intake of the Nellore beef cattle was measured by analysing the forage on pasture, growth and average daily gain were compared between the two groups. Cattle in the Selko IntelliBond group had a higher intake of dry matter (see Table 1) and a higher average daily gain (see Table 2). This difference was most obvious between day 30 and 60 of the trial when the rainy season started and forage quality improved significantly.

Feed efficiency of grazing beef cattle
Feed efficiency of grazing beef cattle is the measure of how well cattle convert feed into body mass. In grazing systems for beef cattle, this involves maximizing the nutritional value derived from natural forage. Efficient feed conversion means lower feed costs and better utilization of available resources, which is especially important given the fluctuating costs and availability of feed in grazing beef operations.

Carcass quality of meat from grazing beef operations
Carcass quality is a vital component of beef production, influencing market value and consumer satisfaction. High-quality carcasses of grazing beef cattle have desirable traits such as marbling, tenderness, and appropriate fat distribution. Grazing beef farmers strive to produce cattle that not only grow efficiently but also yield high-quality meat that meets industry standards and consumer expectations.

Cu sulphate/Zn oxide group Selko IntelliBond C and Selko IntelliBond Z group
Grass height, cm 28.33 cm 26.79 cm
Forage mass, kg DM/ha 5260 kg DM/ha 4720 kg DM/ha
Green dry matter, kg DM/ha 1630 kg DM/ha 1313 kg DM/ha
Green leaves, kg DM/ha 591 kg DM/ha 527 kg DM/ha
Green leaves, % 12.31% 12.19%
Green stems, % 19.38% 16.61%
Dry leaves, % 36.12% 33.20%
Dry stems, % 32.18% 38.00%
Ratio leaves:stems 1.011 0.870

Table 1 Analysis of forage utilisation of pasture by two groups of 60 Nellore bulls. One group was fed a supplement containing copper sulphate and zinc oxide, the other group was fed a supplement containing Selko IntelliBond C and Selko IntelliBond Z. Forage quality increased dramatically in the period between 30 and 60 days due to the change from the dry into the rainy season.
Cu sulphate/Zn oxide group Selko IntelliBond C and Selko IntelliBond Z group
Bodyweight Day 0, kg 348.7 350.7
Bodyweight Day 30, kg 362.9 364.3
Bodyweight Day 60, kg 364.1 368.9
Bodyweight Day 90, kg 392.0 397.1
ADG (day 0-30), kg/day 0.440 0.485
ADG (day 30-60), kg/day 0.038 0.149
ADG (day 60-90), kg/day 0.962 0.971
ADG, entire period 0.469 0.506

Table 2 Bodyweight and Average Daily Gain (ADG) of two groups of 60 male Nellore bulls. One group was fed a supplement containing copper sulphate and zinc oxide, the other group was fed a supplement containing Selko IntelliBond C and Selko IntelliBond Z. Forage quality increased dramatically in the period between 30 and 60 days due to the change from the dry into the rainy season..
Black image showing the MineralTech Techbook paperback

Selko® | sharing latest scientific insights

Free techbook with expert insights

Download the ebook featuring the latest scientific insights on trace minerals and gain expert knowledge on optimizing ruminant production.

This is not correct
This is not correct
This is not correct
This is not correct
This is not correct
Thank you for requesting your free copy of the MineralTech ebook.

We've just sent you an email to confirm your request and provide further details. We appreciate your interest and look forward to helping you enhance your farming operations with the latest insights on trace minerals.

Enjoy your day, the Selko global marketing team

Key performance indicators for grazing beef farmers

To ensure the success of a grazing beef farm, it's essential to monitor and optimize several key performance indicators for beef farming on pasture:

Average Daily Gain (ADG):
Average daily gain of beef cattle on pasture measures the average daily weight gain over a specific period and is an important indicator for growth performance of grazing beef cattle.

Feed Conversion Rate (FCR):
Feed conversion rate of beef cattle compares the amount of feed consumed to the weight gained. A lower FCR signifies greater feed efficiency. Feed conversion rate as a big impact on the cost of production of beef cattle.

Body Condition Score (BCS):
Body condition score of grazing beef cattle is a visual assessment that is a goof indicator for condition and of beef cattle (see Table 3). If beef cattle do not have the body condition that is correct for the production stage they are in, it can impact their growth and reproductive performance. In dairy cattle, it is most common to score animals on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. The body condition score of beef cattle is commonly rated on a scale ranging from 1 to 9.

Thin
1. Severely emaciated. All ribs and bone structure easily visible and physically weak
2. Emaciated, similar to 1 above but not weakened. Little visible muscle tissue
3. Very thin, no fat on ribs or brisket, and some muscle still visible. Back easily visible
Borderline
4. Thin, with ribs easily visible but shoulders and hindquarters still showing fair muscling. Backbone visible
Optimum
5. Moderate to thin. Last two or three ribs can be seen. Little evidence of fat in brisket over ribs or around tailhead
6. Good smooth appearane throughout. Some fat deposition in brisket and over tailhead. Ribs covered and back appears rounded
7. Very good flesh, brisket full, tailhead shows pockets of fat, and back appears square due to fat. Ribs very smooth.
Fat
8. Obese, back very square, briskeet distended, heavy fat pockets around tailhead, and cow has square appearance due to excessive fat. Neck thick and short
9. Rarely seen, Very obese. Description of 8 taken to greater extremes. Heavy deposition of udder fat
Table 3: Characteristics of a system to rate the Body Condition Score of beef. Scores rate from 1 to 9.

Carcass traits:
Monitoring carcass attributes such as marbling, tenderness, and fat distribution helps ensure that the meat produced in grazing beef operations meets quality standards for beef.

Pasture quality and utilization:
Regular monitoring of pasture health ensures that beef cattle have access to high-quality forage, which is crucial for both growth and feed efficiency.

Health and mortality rates:
Keeping track of the herd's health status and reducing mortality rates are vital for maintaining productivity and profitability.

Challenges in achieving optimal performance of grazing beef cattle on pasture

Variable pasture quality:
Seasonal changes and weather conditions can affect pasture growth and quality, leading to fluctuations in feed availability and nutritional value. Maintaining growth and body condition score of beef during the dry season is a challenge, but the change from dry season to rainy season can cause problems as well.

Nutrient management:
Ensuring that cattle receive a balanced diet from pasture alone can be challenging. Supplementing beef cattle on pasture with additional nutrients may be necessary during certain times of the year.

Parasite control:
Grazing cattle are more susceptible to parasites, which can affect their health and growth. Effective parasite management strategies for beef cattle kept pasture are essential.

Environmental factors:
Drought, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can all impact pasture growth and cattle comfort, influencing both feed efficiency and growth rates of beef cattle on pasture.

Economic pressures:
Market fluctuations, feed costs, and other economic factors can put pressure on farmers to maintain high efficiency and performance levels of grazing beef cattle.

Carcass quality consistency:
Maintaining consistent carcass quality of grazing beef cattle requires careful management of diet, genetics, and overall cattle health, which can be complex in a grazing system.

Managing grazing beef cattle on pasture

In the dynamic world of grazing and pasture beef farming, achieving optimal growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass quality is key to a successful and sustainable operation. By focusing on the right KPIs and addressing the inherent challenges, farmers can ensure their cattle thrive on natural pastures, leading to healthier herds, high-quality meat, and more profitable farms.

Connect with our experts

Navigating the daily operations of dairy and beef farming is challenging, and the transition towards sustainable practices raises numerous questions.

Selko ruminant specialists are dedicated to help you assess and address these challenges effectively. For personalized support and expert advice on achieving sustainable and profitable farming, get in touch with our team today.

This information is required
This information is required
This is not correct
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antarctica
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bermuda
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Christmas Island
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Congo
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Curaçao
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Denmark
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Ethiopia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French Southern Territories
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong S.A.R., China
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao S.A.R., China
  • Macedonia
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Martinique
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Niue
  • Norfolk Island
  • North Korea
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palau
  • Palestinian Territory
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Pitcairn
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Réunion
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Helena
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Svalbard and Jan Mayen
  • Swaziland
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tokelau
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Tuvalu
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States Minor Outlying Islands
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican
  • Venezuela
  • Viet Nam
  • Wallis and Futuna
  • Western Sahara
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
This is not correct.
This information is required
This is not correct

Thank you reaching out!

Thank you for contacting us. Your form has been successfully submitted, and a confirmation email with further details is on its way to you. In the meantime, we invite you to explore more about our innovative solutions and best practices for sustainable dairy and beef farming on our website.

*You can unsubscribe from our marketing lists at any time via the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. For information about our privacy policy and general terms and agreements, you can click on the appropriate links in the footer of our website.

References about improving efficiency of grazing beef cattle on pasture

  1. Cidrini, I. A., J. F. Lage, I. Ferreira, K. Oliveira, L. F. Prados, G. R. Siqueira, and F. D. Resende. 2020. Trace minerals source influences the performance of Nellore cattle in the growing phase during the transition between dry to rainy season in Brazil. J. Anim. Sci. 98 (Suppl. 4):445-446.

  2. Cidrini, I.A, Ferreira, E.M, Brito De Araujo, D, Siqueira, G.R. and F.D. Resende (2023). The impact of trace mineral sources of copper and zinc on performance and ruminal bacteria diversity, Proceedings of the EAAP – 74th Annual Meeting, Lyon, France, 2023 716.

Learn more about growth performance in beef cattle: