FEEDING FOR BEEF PRODUCTION 237 



upon the grain ration while quite young, because they 

 will have to be weaned at the early age of four or five 

 months. 



If single calves are allowed to run with the cows, it re- 

 duces the labor biU to the minimum, but is advisable 

 only upon very cheap land, or in the production of high- 

 priced breeding stock. Such calves should be weaned at 

 the age of five or six months. In exceptional cases, when 

 calves are being fitted for show, they may be allowed to 

 nurse until they are fifteen or eighteen months of age. 

 Any of the above methods will produce good beef cattle, 

 provided the animals have the proper breeding. 



Care of the Beef Sire. — On the farm where cattle are 

 kept for the production of beef, the sire should receive 

 just as good care as on the dairy farm. He should have 

 a pen with a paddock in connection where he may exercise. 

 While he should receive sufficient feed to keep him in good 

 condition, he should not be kept fat. Alfalfa or clover hay 

 with a limited amount of silage of good quahty for rough- 

 age, and a grain ration made up of corn, oats, and bran, if 

 not fed in excess, wiU keep him in a healthy condition. 



" Baby Beef " Production. — The production of " baby 

 beef " requires great care and intelligent feeding. The 

 industry has arisen because of the scarcity of feeding 

 cattle, due to the high price of western land upon which 

 feeders are now produced. 



In this method, the beef producer feeds the calves 

 liberally from the time they are born until they are mar- 

 keted. " The calf is not allowed to lose its calf fat." 

 These animals are sold at from 12 to 18 months of age. 

 They should weigh from 800 to 1000 pounds each, and 

 they should be fat, and smooth, and of good quality. 



