There are several methods you can use when raising your livestock that increase the health and safety of the cattle, resulting in better tasting meat.
Most people don’t question how the meat they eat each day gets to their table. But for anybody interested in producing top-quality meat, this information helps ensure you make the right choices. Here are a few tips for raising healthy livestock for ranchers of all experience levels.
Basic Necessities
A good rancher should make sure they have the capacity and equipment necessary to meet the basic needs of their animals. This includes elements like food, shelter, and water. Taking care of your livestock is not only the humane thing to do, but it also helps preserve flavor. Animals produce adrenaline when they become anxious, causing their meat to bruise. Bruising is a quality inspectors look for when deciding between the various USDA grades each animal receives. It makes the meat tougher to chew.
Carefully Selected Stock
When the time comes to buy livestock, be selective of the animals you bring home. Factors like the animal’s ancestry, disposition, and size are good barometers for what you can expect. Qualities to look for include alertness, clear eyes, and regular breathing without a cough. Avoid animals who appear ill, and instead, look for rounded cattle that can move easily.
Adequate Land
Another tip for raising healthy livestockis to ensure adequate land for grazing. Consider dividing your land into two or more pastures, allowing you to rotate the cattle between the two and giving the unused side the opportunity to recover. And remember that the more fertile the land, the healthier (and tastier) the livestock.
Climate
Finally, consider the climate where you are trying to raise the livestock. Concerns such as temperature and average rainfall are two weather-related factors requiring a rancher’s attention. While providing shelter for your cattle is always vital, it becomes even more critical when you live in a location that experiences cold winters. Keeping livestock out of the cold and wind keeps your cattle healthy through the season.
