January, 1957 Mimeo AH-197
Purdue University
Agricultural Extension Service
1956 COMMERCIAL BEEF COW HERD RECORD SUMMARY
Animal Husbandry Dept. -- Russell Brower
Beef cattle numbers in Indiana have doubled since 1948. Cattle are being fed and beef cow herds are appearing in areas that previously had very few beef animals.
In 1948 (January l), there were 155,000 cattle on feed in Indiana. On January 1, 1956, there were 321,000, which represents a 197 percent increase. In like manner in 1948, there were 166,000 beef cows on farms throughout Indiana. In 1956 there were 369,000 cows or an 85 percent increase in 8 years. Therefore it is essential that we pay strict attention to the management practices that are necessary in the economical production of beef cattle.
This report represents 11 commercial beef cow herds which are evenly distributed throughout Indiana. These herds range in size from 56 cows to 11 with the average being 25 or a 1-bull herd. The average cost for keeping a cow, which represents the feed that was fed to botn cows and cakes plus the pasture charge, was $3 8. QO/cow/year. The average net return/cow above feed cost was $49*00.
By knowing the average calving date, the average daily gain was determined and calf weights were corrected to October 1. The figure used in computing the estimated value of the calf crop on October 1 was 20^/pound.
Since values of grain, roughages and pastures vary so much in quality and from community to community, each individual cow herd owner reported the amount and value of the feed and pasture which he considered a fair price that was fed to the cows and calves.
Following is a short summary of profitable beef cow herd practices?
1. USE A GOOD REGISTERED BULL.
' 2. PRODUCE EARLY CALVES.
3. PROVIDE ADEQUATE FEED SUPPLY.
a.	Pasture as near 12 months as possible.
b.	Improve pastures and increase carrying capacity.
c.	Winter cows well but cheaply.
4.	HAVE SOUND HEALTH PROGRAM.
a. Control parasites, T.B.9 Bangs and Blackleg.
5.	PRODUCE AT LEAST 95 PERCENT CALF CROPo
6.	CULL CLOSELY AND KEEP HEIFERS.
FROM BEST PRODUCING COWS.
a. Aged cows, shy breeders* poor sucklers and Inferior type.
7.	CASTRATE AND DEHORN 3 to 30 DAYS OF
AGE»
8c MARKET TO BEST ADVANTAGEo
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics State of Indiana, Purdue University and the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating Ho Jo Reed, Director* Lafayette, Indiana Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30* 1914®