Table of Contents
It will take over a year (367 days) to grow a 500-pound calf to 1,000 pounds if its average daily weight gain is 1.5 pounds per day. Some extensive forage-finishing systems may require a longer duration for calves to reach slaughter weight if forage quality and quantity restrict growth to no more than 1 pound per day.
How long does it take to raise a cow for slaughter?
As a rough guide, it takes about three years to raise a cow for slaughter, however the exact time depends on the breed of cow, the desired use for the meat, the personal preferences of the farmer, and the physiology of each individual animal.
What is the ideal slaughter weight for cattle?
For most fed cattle, the HCW will be approximately 60 to 64 percent of live animal harvest weight.(880 hot carcass weight ÷ 1400-pound live weight) x 100 = 63%. Wholesale cut Pounds Percent of carcass Round 197 22.4 Loin 151.4 17.2 Hanging tender, kidney fat & cutting losses 31.7 3.6 Total 880 100%.
How long does it take a calf to reach 500 lbs?
At 6-9 months of age the calves are weaned off their dams and placed in a field or pen with other calves of a similar age and weight. Most calves will weigh 500-700 lbs at weaning.
How much time does it take for beef cattle to reach finished market weight?
These are called “finishing” cattle, and they are fed and taken care of until they reach around 1000-1200 pounds, which is usually around 18 months old. Once they reach their target weight, they are considered “finished.” Grass-fed cattle are also considered “finishing” cattle until they reach 1000-1200 pounds.
Is it worth raising a cow for meat?
Raising a cow (or steer) is a looooooooong process. You can (and we have) processed our steers at a year old, but you usually won’t get as much meat and marbling. It’s cheaper (sometimes). This is especially true when you let your cow raise your beef and feed your chickens mostly from scraps and free-ranging.
How long is a cow pregnant?
How much is a 1200 pound steer worth?
Based on the 2019 budget, slaughter cows (1,200 pounds) are expected to average $50 per hundredweight, while 550 pounds steers and 520 heifers are expected to average $145 and $130 per hundredweight respectively.
How much meat do you get from a 1200 pound cow?
A 1200-pound beef animal will yield a hot carcass weight of approximately 750 pounds. Once cooled, the carcass weight will be approximately 730 pounds. When de-boned and trimmed, there will be approximately 500 pounds of trimmed and de- boned meat for wrapping and freezing.
How big of a freezer do I need for a whole cow?
You’ll be filling at least four deep freezers when you order a whole beef. With approximately 440 – 520lbs of freezer beef, you’ll need at least 40 cubic feet of freezer space.
How old are beef cows when slaughtered?
Age at slaughter “typically” can be from 12 to 22 months of age for the high quality grade market. The reason for the range in age is that some calves are weaned and go directly to a feeding facility and are finished for slaughter.
What do cows eat before slaughter?
For finishing beef cattle prior to slaughter, most are fed a mixture of ground, shelled corn or millet. These grains are inexpensive, nutritious and add fat to the meat to make it tender.
How old do cows get?
HOW LONG DO DAIRY COWS LIVE? While the natural lifespan of many cows can reach 15 or even 20 years of age, the vast majority of dairy cows are not permitted to live more than 4-6 years, at which point they’re sent to slaughter, usually after their production levels drop.
How many cows are killed a year?
In the U.S., more than 29 million cows suffer and die in the meat and dairy industries every year.
How much does it cost to raise a calf to slaughter?
If you retain ownership of the calves and they are the type of calf that can go through a growing period during the winter and grass pasture in the spring and summer, then to a short feedlot phase and the total cost after weaning to slaughter is about $520, then the total cost is $905 per head (using cow cost to Sep 3, 2019.
How do you feed a cow for slaughter?
Feed a free choice mixture of 80 percent ground sorghum grain, 10 per- cent protein supplement and 10 percent salt as cattle are placed on pasture and continue until slaughter weight is reached. Cattle will consume this mixture at approximately 1 percent of their body weight daily.
How much does it cost to own a cow?
To sum up, a cow costs around $100 for a calf, between $700 and $2000 for an adult cow, and up to $5,000 for a bull. The average annual cost of looking after a cow is $850, so it’s worth factoring that into any calculations. Cow price varies according to their age, weight, breed, and what they are used for.
Can you raise just one cow?
Cattle are herd animals and find safety in numbers. If at all possible, you’ll have better luck raising a pair than a single cow, and you can keep one of the cows as your breeding stock. You’ll hear a lot of opinions about which cattle breed produces the best-tasting meat.
