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Beef Health & Welfare
In this section, information is provided on the following areas:
- Handling systems
- Difficult calving
- Castration
- Dehorning
- Biosecurity
Click on the tabs below for more information on these areas.
For a detailed overview of 'The Welfare of Cattle Kept for Beef Production' from the European Commission, use the link on the right.
Beef Cattle Handling Systems
Due to the reduction in the farm workforce, the need to handle beef cattle efficiently and safely, whilst not sacrificing welfare, is of increasing importance.
Difficult Calving
Calving difficulty (dystocia) in beef cattle can increase calf losses, cow mortality and veterinary and labour costs, as well as causing a delay in the return to oestrus and a decrease in conception rates.
Castration
The difficulties of bull management, the demand for more desirable steer carcasses and the lack of demand for bull carcasses dictate that castration be included as an essential part of herd management on many farms.
Dehorning
In most countries, naturally hornless cattle (polled) are preferred to horned breeds due to the reduced risk of injury to humans and other cattle.