cattlehusbandry

Cattle husbandry is the management of cattle for agricultural purposes, including dairy and beef production, breeding, draft work, and related outputs. It encompasses nutrition, reproduction, housing, health care, welfare, and environmental stewardship. Practices vary with climate, terrain, farm size, and economic goals, ranging from smallholder systems to large commercial operations.

Core activities include herd management, genetics and breeding strategies (natural service, artificial insemination, embryo transfer), and reproductive management to optimize calving intervals and weaning. Nutrition centers on adequate forage, supplemented grains or concentrates when needed, mineral and vitamin supplementation, and clean water. Pasture and forage management, including rotational grazing, support feed availability and soil health.

Health and welfare are central, with preventive veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite control, mastitis management in dairy cattle, and measures to prevent lameness. Appropriate housing and handling facilities reduce stress and improve safety. Biosecurity practices protect herds from disease introduction, and record-keeping tracks production, health, genetics, and reproduction.

Economic and environmental considerations include manure management, nutrient recycling, and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Efficiency, price volatility, and market demand shape decision making. Advances in cattle husbandry include precision agriculture, automated systems, and genomic selection to improve productivity, welfare, and sustainability.