Feeding Natural Cattle

Nov 22, 2006 1:40 PM

A new publication from South Dakota State University discusses raising cattle without the use of implants, ionophores, or antibiotics. SDSU Extension Extra 2056, "Feeding Natural Cattle," is available online at http://agbiopubs.sdstate.edu/articles/ExEx2056.pdf.

Marshall County Extension Livestock Educator Tyler Melroe and SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Erik Loe, who wrote the publication, said some consumers are willing to pay a premium for "natural" beef products from production systems that don’t use implants, ionophores, or antibiotics. Vaccines are not antibiotics and are critical to the success of natural feeding programs.

Identifying a market, procuring cattle that have undergone a strict vaccination program, and matching the requirements of specific natural beef programs are critical for success. Pens of natural cattle will have higher costs of gain because of lower average daily gain, poorer feed conversion, and removal of cattle due to antibiotic treatment. A higher feeder calf purchase price, lighter final weight, and/or increased days on feed will also contribute to higher breakeven prices for cattle marketed through natural programs.

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