Method of Herd Management

Abstract

A method and system to generate the highest level of return on investment of a cattle ranch producing beef to the consumer. Through the use of computer software integrated with an individual cow and calf identification system, the method and system disclosed herein allows a cattle producer to analyze the yearly production characteristics of each individual cow's calf or calves through all the various phases of growth and production with an accumulation of the economic cost and gain of value up to the end product as a feeder or cull. The total value of the carcass at the end of production, expressed as a sum of the costs associated with producing each animal minus the market value of the animal, allows the animal's economic value to be expressed by one figure which can then be used to judge the cow's ability to produce animals that meet all predetermined economically important genetic traits. This system and method of cow herd management provides a continuing improvement in the efficiency of the ranching operation and a better product for the consumers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 060,616 filed Jan. 30, 2002, currently pending, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the management of cattle for varying market needs such as quality, food safety, and the consistent improvement of beef quality for one or more target markets. More specifically, the invention relates to the methods and processes for analyzing and improving the carcass value of beef cattle for the production of beef for human consumption by identifying, measuring, sorting and tracking animals individually and grouping animals into specific market groups for increased value and consistency with in each group. This process allows duplication of results by tracking performance at multiple levels and tracing results back to the base genetic lines of individual animals allowing the selection from that genetic pool for sp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention relates to an improved cattle management system and method which increases the carcass value at sale by selective breeding and physical maintenance programs designed to improve the consistent beef quality of the herd and improving the overall profitability of each individual member of the cattle herd by using a holistic approach where all economically important traits, as well as the growing / processing environment, are considered in the process collectively. The system allows the rancher or cattle producer to collect data on individual cattle, determine and minimize his production costs and evaluate options in marketing at any time from the weaning stage to the final carcass stage.

[0013] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system and method of cattle selection, management and care which leads to better performance with market goals in mind that is not only traceable to certain individuals, but has the ability to be replicated. This system utilizes a method in which each animal is uniquely identified and allocated performance and economic data, which is recorded and traced back to the cow and bull pairing that produced the individual calf which allows the cattle producer to make informed management decisions based on the target market in which the cattle producer desires his cow herd to perform.

Problems solved by technology

A working cattle ranch is a very complex operation and it is where the genetic makeup and processing management for individual animals are set and cannot be changed by natural means.

The beef cattle industry is constantly changing at ever increasing rates, due to consumer demands, food safety and other issues.

A recent national survey showed that twenty percent of the time consumers do not have an enjoyable steak dining experience, in part due to poor quality beef.

Poor quality may arise from a number of many different factors, one being the failure for the product to be of consistent quality within the market group targeted.

However, the largest failure is lack of ability to identify, track, sort, and replicate the better quality cattle consistently for specific markets.

Until, recently there was little incentive for the rancher or cattle producer to spend time tracking data needed for different markets.

Until now, the practice of purchasing cattle on the average cash market allowed undesirable types of cattle to sell for a premium at the expense of the more desirable beef quality types of cattle.

This practice encouraged cattle producers to do less than an adequate job in the selection of genetic resources for the cattle herd on the ranch.

The net result of this type of production and buying practices resulted in a steady decline in the consumption (market share) of beef by the consumer for the last twenty-five years.

The formula basis, however, caused cattle producers to sell their beef with discounts for undesirable market traits in the carcass, and premiums for desirable market traits.

This results in a severe cash price market drop when few cattle are needed on the cash market.

However, none have addressed the complete picture of production methods, genetic replication, economic efficiency, and marketing targets of consistent quality in differing marketing groups or levels and traced the data back to the individual cow and bull in a herd to a total system that is sensitive to changes in consumer demands.

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