How to Raise Beefmaster Cattle

The six important traits for Beefmaster cattle are weight, conformation, fertility, milk production, disposition and hardiness. The breed, developed in Texas by crossing three prominent beef breeds, was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a pure breed in 1954. Beefmaster cattle are roughly a mixture of 50 percent Brahman, 25 percent Shorthorn and 25 percent Hereford. There is no standard color for Beefmasters but many are brownish-red.

Things You'll Need

  • Beefmaster cows and bulls
  • Land
  • Corrals
  • Chute
  • Feed
  • Water
  • Health-care program
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the type of Beefmaster cattle operation. A cow/calf enterprise in which cows produce calves yearly is a common method of raising Beefmasters. The calves are weaned at 6 to 8 months when they weigh about 500 pounds. Determine if the operation will produce purebred or commercial Beefmaster cattle. Purebred Beefmasters are usually raised for breeding stock while commercial Beefmasters are raised for beef.

    • 2

      Buy sound, healthy Beefmaster cattle for the herd. Visually inspect the cattle for muscling, body structure, sound feet and legs, and disposition. Inspect the production records of the herd, including birth and weaning weights and EPDs. EPDs, or expected progeny differences, are a numerical rating that predicts the genetic transmitting ability of the animal.

    • 3

      Purchase one mature bull for every 30 Beefmaster cows or one yearling bull for 20 cows. Consider using artificial insemination (AI) to improve the genetics of the herd. Breed the Beefmaster cows to calve during a 60- to 90-day period. This creates a uniform calf crop. Beefmaster cows are known for their milk production and mothering ability.

    • 4

      Secure land for the Beefmaster cattle operation. Build strong, adequate fencing and corrals for handling the cattle. Develop a chute system to securely hold cattle for vaccinations and other treatments. Provide dry ground or a shelter during wet and cold weather.

    • 5

      Purchase or grow feed for the cattle. Beefmasters are ruminants, and roughage feeds such as pasture and hay account for much of their diet. Often Beefmasters graze during the growing season and consume hay at other times. Add concentrates such as cereal grains to increase the energy content of the diet. Provide salt blocks and fresh, clean water. The Beefmaster breed is known for heat and drought tolerance.

    • 6

      Work with a veterinarian to develop a health program for the Beefmaster herd. Scours (diarrhea) as well as respiratory, reproductive and clostridial diseases affect cattle. While Beefmaster cattle are insect-resistant, a parasite control program is necessary.

    • 7

      Develop a marking plan for the Beefmasters. Sell the calves at weaning or yearling age. Place the yearlings in a feedlot with a high concentrate ration and sell the market animals at 1,100 pounds.