Disease Prevention and Deworming
Before introducing newly purchased shelf cows into the farm, a thorough health inspection is essential. Healthy cattle should be vaccinated with hoof-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and clostridium perfringens vaccines before being mixed with others. A deworming treatment should be administered one week prior to entering the fattening area. Three days after deworming, it's recommended to give them artificial salt or other digestive aids to support their gastrointestinal health. Newly arrived cattle are often stressed due to transportation, environmental changes, and unfamiliar surroundings. To help them adapt, add 0.5% salt and 1% brown sugar to their drinking water for a week, and provide more hay or grass. Two days after arrival, introduce small amounts of bran gradually, transitioning them into a full feeding regimen. Throughout the fattening period, closely monitor their eating habits, manure output, and overall behavior to detect any signs of illness early.
Scientific Feeding
The shelf fattening process can be divided into three stages: the adaptation phase (pre-fattening), the transition period (middle fattening), and the final fattening stage. The pre-fattening period usually lasts about 15 days, during which ammoniated straw and silage corn stalks are used as main roughage, combined with locally available concentrate feed. Cattle should have free access to these roughages and sufficient clean water. Starting from day two, gradually increase the amount of concentrate feed, aiming to reach around 2 kg per day by the end of this phase. The concentrate should be formulated at approximately 0.8% of the animal’s body weight, averaging about 1.5 kg per day. A typical concentrate mix includes 45% corn flour, 40% wheat bran, 10% cake, 2% bone meal, 2% urea, and 1% salt, plus 2 ml of cod liver oil per kilogram of feed. During the middle fattening phase, which lasts about 30 days, the ratio of roughage to concentrate should be adjusted from 3:1 to 2:1 and finally to 1:1. Feed twice daily, providing 4–5 kg each time, and allow 2 hours for digestion before offering water.
Optimal Use of Growth Promoters
Rumen-based growth promoters such as monensin and lasalocid are commonly used in beef cattle feeding. These additives are typically mixed into the feed at a rate of 40–60 mg per kilogram of concentrate. They improve feed efficiency and promote weight gain. In addition, the use of urea can significantly enhance weight gain when properly managed. Administer 0.25 kg of slow-release urea per day, preferably during the night. After feeding, avoid giving water for 2 hours to prevent ammonia toxicity. Urea should always be used in combination with other supplements and under careful supervision.
Proper Management Practices
For optimal growth, maintain a stable environment with temperatures between 5°C and 21°C. Ensure the barn is warm, quiet, and well-ventilated. Regularly brush the animals to keep them clean and comfortable. Install adjustable ventilation windows to maintain air quality. Remove manure daily to keep the housing area clean and dry. Avoid damp conditions, as they can lead to health issues. Proper management not only improves animal welfare but also enhances productivity and meat quality.
Timely Slaughter
Cattle should be slaughtered when they reach a live weight of 500 kg or more, typically after 2–3 months of proper fattening. Two key indicators signal readiness for slaughter: first, if the animal’s appetite decreases and cannot be restored despite dietary adjustments; second, if the back fat is noticeable when touched or if the ears feel soft and plump. These signs indicate that the animal has reached an ideal condition for slaughter. Timely processing ensures high-quality meat and efficient resource use.
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