Everything you need to know to raise one, two, or even a herd of beef cattle is in this book — the most comprehensive beef cattle guide available.

This definitive handbook will help both beginners and experienced owners capitalize on one of the world's most natural and efficient backyard livestock industries. Whether you simply want to make use of land that is too steep, too rocky, or too dry for growing crops, or you want to run a full-scale, modern beef production operation, this book will provide you with the information you need, including how to:

-- Prepare comfortable, low-maintenance facilities

-- Breed and calve cattle for specific genetic attributes

-- Remedy cattle illnesses and maintain excellent herd health

-- Understand cattle behavior

-- Handle herds humanely and effectively

-- Market your cattle business

These guides give novice and experienced livestock farmers all they need to know to successfully keep and profit from animals. Each book includes information on selection, housing, behavior, space requirements, breeding and birthing techniques, feeding, health concerns, and remedies for illness. The books also cover the business of raising animals, such as processing meat, milk, eggs, and more. The authors were chosen not only for their expertise but also for their ability to explain the ins and outs of animal husbandry in an inviting and accessible style. Whether readers are ready to start an entire herd or flock or are considering purchasing their first animal, Storey's Guide to Raising books offer vital information and are an indispensable reference.

A bovine expert, Thomas explains facilities, breeding and genetics, calving, health care, and advice for marketing a cattle business.

Foreword

1 Breeds and Genetics: An Overview

2 Handling and Behavior of Beef Cattle

3 Issues in Buying and Selling

4 General Guidelines for Raising Beef Cattle

5 Pasture, Fencing, and Facilities

6 Feeding Cattle

7 Keeping Cattle Healthy

8 Growing and Breeding Heifers

9 Care of the Pregnant Cow

10 Calving

11 Care of the Newborn Calf

12 Calf Health

13 Weaning the Calves

14 Rebreeding

Glossary

Sources

Suppliers

Cooperative Extension Service

Breed Organizations

IndeX