The short-term fattening of shelf cattle refers to the practice of raising high-gain, fast-feeding cows for a period of 3 to 4 months under controlled house-feeding conditions. This method is relatively simple, requires minimal labor, and is easy to implement. It has a short production cycle, quick return on investment, and can be scaled up or down depending on the situation. It’s an excellent option for those looking to generate income in rural areas and is well-suited for promotion among local communities. Below are the key technical points to consider when starting this process.
1. **Preparation Before Fattening**
1.1 **Construction of the Cattle Shed**
A good location for the cowshed should be dry, with solid ground, good drainage, access to water, and convenient transportation. The area should also be quiet, easy to manage, and conducive to disease prevention. The size of the shed depends on the number of cattle being raised, typically around 4–5 square meters per cow. The building should face south to maximize natural light and ventilation, maintain humidity between 60% and 80%, and keep temperatures between 7°C and 25°C. A disinfection tank should be installed for hygiene. Construction should be based on the farmer's available resources, using existing materials where possible to reduce costs. The goal is not luxury but functionality—ensuring shelter from rain, warmth in winter, and coolness in summer, while supporting proper ventilation and cleanliness.
1.2 **Selection of Breeds and Purchase of Cattle**
Many farmers in rural areas neglect breed selection, leading to poor performance and low returns. Choosing the right breed is crucial. Purebred beef cattle such as Limousin, Angus, Charolais, and Simmental, as well as native breeds like Jilin Yanbian Yellow Cattle and Shaanxi Qinchuan Yellow Cattle, are ideal. Hybrid cattle, which combine foreign beef breeds with local ones, offer strong resistance, faster growth, and better meat quality. Bulls generally have the best fattening results, followed by calves and then cows. When purchasing, look for healthy animals with bright eyes, strong limbs, smooth coats, and no signs of illness. The ideal age is between 15 and 20 months.
1.3 **Forage Preparation**
Ensure enough feed is available by planting high-quality forage such as ryegrass, alfalfa, and other suitable grasses. In rural areas, intercropping or crop rotation can help maximize land use. Silage, ammoniated feeds, and by-products like distiller’s grains and bean dregs can also be used to supplement the diet and improve efficiency.
2. **Management of New Arrivals**
2.1 **Acclimation and Observation**
Newly purchased cattle should be placed in a clean, quiet area to rest and adjust. Provide water gradually and start with hay and grass to help them adapt quickly. Monitor their behavior, eating habits, and overall health closely.
2.2 **Pre-fattening Procedures**
Before feeding, group the cattle based on breed, weight, sex, and condition. Deworming with drugs like avermectin or ivermectin is essential. After deworming, administer a digestive aid such as rhubarb-based medicine or sodium bicarbonate to support gut health.
3. **Feeding Management During Fattening**
3.1 **Transition Period**
Cattle should not be fed directly at full fattening levels. A gradual transition allows them to adapt and eat more efficiently, increasing feed intake over time.
3.2 **Diet Formulation**
Feed should be balanced, with concentrates making up 1–1.5% of body weight. A typical mix includes corn (50%), soybean meal (30%), bran (16%), and other ingredients (4%). High-quality forages such as alfalfa or ryegrass can replace part of the concentrate, reducing costs without sacrificing performance. Cut all roughage to about 1.5 cm for easier digestion.
3.3 **Daily Management Practices**
Maintain cleanliness, monitor the herd regularly, and ensure proper environmental control. Follow the “six fixeds†and “four observations†to track health and behavior. Keep the barn clean, disinfect regularly, and check for signs of illness such as dull eyes, reduced appetite, abnormal feces, or unusual weather sensitivity.
3.4 **Disease Prevention**
Limit access to the barn, enforce disinfection protocols, and keep the environment clean. Vaccinate against common diseases like anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease. Isolate sick animals immediately and treat them promptly.
4. **Controlling the Fattening Process**
After 3–4 months of controlled feeding and exercise, the cattle should meet market standards. Sell them promptly when prices are favorable to avoid slowing weight gain, lower feed efficiency, and increased costs. Timely sales are key to maximizing profits.
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