The beef cattle course offers knowledge into the key principles of intensive and extensive beef cattle production systems, herd management, breeding, nutrition and health and disease management.

This popular course gives students the opportunity to learn the principles of beef cattle management, breeding and  production. While no one course can be expected to deal in comprehensive detail with all aspects of the beef industry, this course provides a detailed overview of the necessary subject matter for students who are already in the industry or those who are new to the industry. Elements such as nutrition, production, reproduction, and disease recognition, control and treatment, are dealt with in detail.

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to beef cattle and beef cattle breeds

1. • The role of beef cattle in agriculture

1. • Scientific classification

1. • Examples of breeds worldwide

1. • British Beef breeds – Angus, Hereford, South Devon, Sussex, Red Poll

1. • U.S. Developed Beef breeds – Santa Gertrudis, American Brahman, Amerifax, Beefmaster

1. • Eurpean Beef breeds – Salers, Charolais, Simmental, Gelbvieh

1. • Australian Beef breeds – Braford, Beefmaster, Droughtmaster, Murray Grey, Australian Lowline

1. • South African Beef Breeds – Salorn, Tswana, Tuli, Africkander,

1. • Breed selection considerations – horned vs poll, colour, gestation length, birth weight, mothering ability, post weaning growth, meat quality etc

1. Beef Cattle Production Systems

1. • Various systems of production – extensive, intensive, semi-intensive

1. • Choosing a suitable system – considerations include size, climate, soils, transport, markets etc

1. • Cattle handling facilities

1. • Materials used in cattle handling

1. • Cattle identification – branding, ear marking, tattooing, ear tags

1. • De-horning – chemical and mechanical methods

1. • Castration, dips and dipping, and injecting cattle

1. Beef Cattle Breeding

1. • Heritability, performance testing, progeny testing, selection

1. • Pure versus cross breeding – advantages and disadvantages

1. • Calving percentage

1. • Management factors to improve calving percentage

1. • Weaning calves

1. • Factors affecting calf weaning

1. • The anatomy of the male reproductive system

1. • The physiology of the male reproductive system

1. • Fertility problems in the male

1. • The anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system

1. • Fertility problems

1. • Pregnancy and partition

1. • The structure of the mammary glands

1. • Secretion of milk

1. • Growth and development

1. • Post natal growth

1. • Compensatory growth

1. Diseases in Beef Cattle – Viral and Bacterial

1. • Determining health status of the animal

1. • Signs of a healthy animal

1. • Causes of ill-health

1. • Injury, poor nutrition, poisoning, parasites, hereditary conditions etc

1. • Preventing ill-health

1. • Correct feed and nutrition, insect control, parasite control, vaccinations, control stress etc

1. Parasitic and Other Diseases in Beef Cattle

1. • Some parasitic diseases

1. • Other ailments of cattle – actinobacillosis, anaplasmosis, arthritis, beef measles

1. • poisoning, pink eye, milk fever, bloat etc

1. Nutrition in Beef Cattle

1. • Feed type – roughages and concentrates

1. • Carbohydrates, protein, fats

1. • Grass or grain feeding

1. • Rations for beef cattle – maintenance or production rations

1. • Maintenance rations

1. • Procedure for calculating a ration

1. • Supplementary feeding of protein

1. • Lot Feeding

1. • Minerals

1. • Common macromineral deficiencies

1. • Common trace mineral deficiencies

1. • Diagnosis of trace mineral deficiencies

1. • Vitamins

1. • Water for farm animals

1. • Protein

1. Commercial Herd Management

1. • The breeding herd

1. • Production systems

1. • Cow-calf herd

1. • Beef production systems using dairy stock

1. Feed Lot Management

1. • Lot feeding – types of feedlot

1. • Managing cattle in a feedlot

1. • Feedlot Records

1. • Article on pen feeding in South Africa

1. Stud Herd Management

1. • Time of calving

1. • Feeding

1. • Fertility

1. • Indicators of fertility in bulls

1. • Indicators of fertility in cows

1. Management, Economics and Marketing

1. • Profitability

1. • Factors affecting gross output

1. • Factors affecting variable costs

• Describe the nature and scope of Beef Cattle Production
• Compare different beef production systems
• Discuss beef cattle breeding and its significance to production
• Develop a sound, but general introduction to animal health
• Describe significant parasites that infect cattle and determine appropriate management of these and related problems
• Recommend appropriate provision of feed for commercial beef production
• Develop a management strategy for a commercial beef herd
• Explain feed lot management for beef production
• Explain Stud herd management for beef production
• Determine significant management requirements for a beef production enterprise, in order to attain and sustain a viable economic performance

A Statement of Attainment from Courses Direct in Beef Cattle would benefit a variety of individuals, particularly those involved in or aspiring to enter the beef cattle industry. Here are some specific groups who would find value in this credential:

1. Farmers and Cattle Producers

• Beef cattle farmers looking to improve their knowledge and skills related to the care, management, and production of beef cattle.
• Those interested in expanding or diversifying their operations, learning about the latest techniques in cattle management, animal health, and breeding.

2. Agricultural Workers and Laborers

• Individuals working in agriculture, especially in beef cattle operations, who want to formalize their skills and gain recognition for their experience in the field.
• It would enhance their employability and help them advance to more specialized or senior roles, such as herd managers or cattle farm supervisors.

3. Agricultural Consultants and Advisors

• Consultants offering advice on cattle operations may benefit from this certification as it adds credibility to their expertise.
• It can assist them in staying up to date with current practices and industry standards, making them more effective in their consulting work.

4. Veterinary Technicians and Animal Health Professionals

• Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or anyone involved in the health management of cattle would benefit from enhanced knowledge of beef cattle breeding, nutrition, and disease management.
• A Statement of Attainment could improve their understanding of the specific needs of beef cattle, thereby enhancing their career prospects.

5. Students or New Entrants to the Agricultural Industry

• People looking to start a career in agriculture may use this certification as a stepping stone to gaining employment and understanding core concepts in cattle management.
• It would be particularly useful for students looking to build a foundation of practical knowledge before entering the workforce.

6. Agriculture Industry Trainers or Educators

• Trainers who educate individuals or teams in agricultural practices would benefit from having this statement to ensure that they are teaching up-to-date industry standards.
• It ensures that educators can confidently teach essential skills to trainees in beef cattle operations.

7. Small-Scale or Hobby Farmers

• Individuals who raise cattle on a smaller scale (e.g., hobby farmers) could gain valuable knowledge in effective cattle care and sustainable practices.
• The certification would help these individuals better manage their animals and operations.

8. Exporters and Supply Chain Managers

• People working in the supply chain or export industry related to beef, such as cattle traders, meat processors, or exporters, can use the statement to improve their understanding of the production process.
• This knowledge helps to ensure quality standards are met, from breeding to final product, which is critical for businesses in the export market.

9. Land Managers

• Those responsible for managing land where cattle are grazed would benefit from understanding the impact of grazing on land health, and how to manage both cattle and land for sustainability.

10. Farm Managers

• People looking to take on leadership roles in beef cattle operations, such as farm managers, can gain a broader set of skills in managing cattle herds, ensuring optimal production, and handling business and operational logistics.

In general, any professional or enthusiast involved in the beef cattle industry who is looking to upskill, gain a more formal recognition of their expertise, or advance their career would benefit from a Statement of Attainment in Beef Cattle. It provides practical and industry-relevant knowledge that could improve daily operations, productivity, and overall business management.