How long does it take to market beef cattle?

Generally speaking, the older the cattle are, the slower they gain weight, and the fattening effect reaches its peak before slowly declining. Therefore, when raising beef cattle, it is necessary to grasp the time of slaughtering them. So how long does it take to slaughter beef cattle? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. How long does it take to market beef cattle?

Beef cattle can generally be slaughtered after 8 to 10 months of raising, but the specific time depends on the breed. Different breeds have different growth rates, and the time to slaughter will also be different. If you raise local yellow cattle, it may take longer, and it may take about 2 years from birth to slaughter. If it is some good beef cattle breeds, such as Limousin, Charolais or their hybrids, the time will be shorter.

2. Management of beef cattle release

1. Release time

Choose 250-400kg steers, the growth cycle is 4-6 months, a calf weighing about 200kg needs 8-10 months, and a calf weighing 100kg needs 10-12 months. When raised in a confinement stall, fine-breed beef cattle such as Simmental cattle are generally slaughtered at 16-18 months of age when their weight reaches over 650kg.

2. Keep the cowshed warm

As the temperature drops, keeping the cowshed warm is particularly important. Insulation can be provided by using closed cow sheds, warm sheds, or thickened canvas, plastic sheets, etc. to keep the temperature in the cow shed above 5 degrees Celsius. At the same time, pay attention to controlling the humidity in the cowshed to prevent limb and hoof diseases and respiratory diseases caused by low temperature and high humidity.

3. Exercise

Proper exercise for beef cattle can help enhance their physical fitness and immunity. The cool weather in autumn is a good time for beef cattle exercise. A sports field can be set up outside the cattle farm to allow cattle to move freely or be driven for exercise.

4. Market release standards

If Simmental beef cattle are well fed and managed, they can reach the market standard in 10-12 months and their weight can reach about 1,200 catties (500-550 kilograms). The marketing standards should also take into account carcass quality and lean meat percentage. High-quality Simmental beef cattle should have a well-proportioned body, well-developed muscles, evenly distributed fat, a high lean meat percentage and delicious meat.

The above is an introduction to how long it takes for beef cattle to be slaughtered. Normally, the period from birth to slaughter of beef cattle is approximately between 12 and 24 months. Different breeds of cattle grow at different rates. Some breeds of cattle grow fast and are ready for slaughter in a relatively short time.