Raising Cows for personnel consumption

[AllDodge]

Thinking about raising cow(s) for own consumption. Questions around when to get them (I'm thinking caves), how to care for them and when is the best time for slaughter. I have never raised cows and have heard many things but would like input

Have 20 sum acres and wonder what is the best cow for taste and other. Always heard Angus was best but there could be others. When best to kill and other ideas

 

[EddieWalker]

We just partnered with a friend to go in halves on three bull calves. They did this last year and the steaks where amazing!!!! They are retired and will be doing all the work, we'll give pay for feed. The calves cost $30 each from a dairy farm. They are five days old and will be bottle fed until they start to eat on their own.

From what we've learned, dairy bulls that become steers are the best tasting, but grow slower then beef steers. If you want to make money raising beef cattle, you stick with what works best in your area. If you want to raise beef that tastes the very best, get dairy bulls that they want to get rid of because they don't make milk and their is no use for them on a dairy farm.

 

[AllDodge]

If you want to raise beef that tastes the very best, get dairy bulls that they want to get rid of because they don't make milk

I like that thought, and sounds like a good plan
How old are they before they are slaughtered?

 

[Sysop]

In an attempt to prevent you from being flamed by some REAL cow-folk, first you want to learn the proper terminology. See here: Easy Ways to Tell the Difference Between Bulls, Cows, Steers and Heifers

When to buy; just visit the local stock market. They will have schedules posted for their sales.

Most cattle slaughtered for meat are between one and two years old. If you plan on keeping them over the winter, you need to consider what they will eat since grass only grows during the summer.

Some farmers section out their property and keep separate grazing fields and hay fields so they can cut hay during the summer to feed during the winter. Some use all their land for cattle and buy hay for winter feeding.

A source of water will be a big factor in how much you will need to care for them. If you have a creek or similar they have access to, that's fine. If you need to fill troughs to provide water access, that will be a daily chore (as is feeding them during the winter).

Best tasting cattle are generally the more expensive breeds. See what your local stock market has available.

My advice to start. Your local university should have AG extension offices in your area. They can provide valuable guidance for getting started. Knowing what types of grasses you have and knowing the condition of your soil is somewhat important.

 

[nybirdman]

After messing with beef(12-15) for 20 years;my advice ;buy it done.Twenty acres is not enough to graze,grow hay for more than 1 or 2 beef.

 

[LouNY]

As was mentioned dairy bull calves will be the last expensive to buy, once made into steers they will grow into good beef.
An Angus will gain weight a bit faster then a Holstein.
As far as the taste it will depend on what they eat.
If they are grown on good high quality feed they will be good.
As far as age to butcher 14 to 18 months is a good average, you can go sooner or you can go longer.
With 20 acres in KY you should be able to grow 2 or 3 easily. If they have to walk up and down hill to get to water
they will grow slower and be a bit tougher. You can finish on good high protein hay or grass,
I prefer a good bit of grain at least the last few months.
If you have kids that want to get into 4H or if you have an active Grange Chapter or FFA in school it can be a good project for them.
It will not save you any money over store beef, but you will know what it got fed.
If raising a calve on milk replacer study up a bit on calve diseases, especially scours.
Don't be afraid to medicate a calf, find your local feed store and check out the veterinary supplies.
Don't over do it but don't be afraid to treat it as needed.
The best way to raise a couple of calves would be to buy a dairy cull cow that is bred when she calves raise her calve and another one on her
that 8 months of nursing will yield more growth then any milk replacer diet.
Also be aware that dairy or any calves will require castration and dehorning, for growth and your protection.

P.S. it will be a lot of work.
Yesterday for my brother it was a weigh, worm and sort day for 100 animals, 3 groups, one for finishing 1000 pounds and up, one for continued feeding, and one for breeding replacements
Four people a full half a day moving from one pasture to the barn with the chute, sort into groups, turn out into different pastures..

 

[Budweiser John]

Yes, in years past we have had good luck with dairy calves raised for table beef.
Young calves can be touchy however and be feisty and active one day and overnight develop scours or respiratory issues that need to be dealt with immediately so have a good vet that understands the immediacy of the problem and can come out without delay. Most problems can be overcome but timing is everything. Bottle feeding is time consuming and must be on a regular schedule.
Good grass pasture will go a long way to keep everyone healthy and non moldy grain with supplements puts on the bloom and flavor.
The final step is a good slaughter/butcher facility where the carcass can age and be cut to your specifications.
It’s been several years since we’ve raised our own beef since there is only two of us home now, but defiantly worth the effort if you have the facilities for year around water, shelter, and securely fenced pastures.
Good luck and post pictures
B. John

 

[AllDodge]

Thanks for your thoughts, but I'm thinking actually one cow. Only reason to think of maybe 2 is buddy has 40 acres. Don't need a cow to get full grown, just enough to get some good meat out of it. Most the meat I buy at the market, its full of fat. Get a rib eye and loose almost 1/3 in fat. We currently get chuck, brisket and round and grind our own ground beef because the GB in the markets do not look good, and the stuff that does they want almost what steak cost

 

[AllDodge]

Thanks Budwiser some good info.
I do have a creek but not where the cow would be. May be able to work something up.
If all else fails I can run city water to a place

 

[ovrszd]

I applaud your enthusiasm. The fact that you think you need a cow leads me to offer caution. You may be over your head. Not head of cattle. Your head.