Beef cattle are ruminant animals capable of digesting fibrous material and converting it into a high-protein food suitable for human consumption. Since 1910, the first year that statistics were compiled, Americans have been eating an average of 60 pounds of beef yearly. Below are links to production aspects such as breeding and genetics, reproduction, pastures and forages, health, management, nutrition and facilities.
Beef Cattle and Meat
Spotlights
Beef Cattle
K-State Libraries and AgNIC.
This collaborative web site provides topical information and general resources on the care and management of beef cattle.
Beef Cattle, 2004
USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center.
Contains an extensive bibliography categorized into 11 subject subsections covering all aspects of beef cattle care, husbandry, health, and welfare, as well as a list of Web sites.
Beef CattleUSDA. National Agricultural Library.
Searches for article citations in the NAL Catalog (AGRICOLA) on beef cattle from January 2005 to the present. Or search for books from 2000 to the present.
Beef: From Farm to TableUSDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Fact sheet about beef including how cows are raised, how beef is inspected and graded, and how to safely handle beef.
Beef Products
USDA. National Agricultural Library.
Searches for article citations in the NAL Catalog (AGRICOLA) on beef meat products from January 2005 to the present. Or search for books from 2000 to the present.
Beef Cattle Production
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Learning modules, current agricultural prices, conference information, news, and a section to ask questions of a livestock specialist.
Beef Cattle at TAMUTexas A&M University. Department of Animal Science.
Contains publications and information about beef cattle and beef cattle management. Topics include reproduction, quality assurance, facilities, genetics, health, nutrition, and more.
Clemson Beef Cattle Information DatabaseClemson University Extension.
A database containing links to extension educational materials on beef cattle breeding and genetics, reproduction, body condition scoring, pastures and forages, health, management, and handling facilities.
Fact Sheets and Information: Beef Cattle
University of California at Davis. Veterinary Medicine Extension.
Contains information about health issues and diseases related to beef cattle. Most documents are available in PDF format.
Beef TeamOhio State University Extension.
Contains publications and links to Web site resources on topics including management, nutrition, health, and facilities. "This Week in Beef Cattle" newsletter is available to read online.
The Welfare of Cattle Kept for Beef Production (PDF | 768 KB)European Commission. Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare.
Report covers assessment of animal welfare, production zones in the European Union, beef production systems, cattle fattening systems, housing systems, behavior of cattle, effect of housing on the welfare of animals, and the effects of management on cattle welfare.
Beef Cattle Breeds and Biological TypesVirginia Cooperative Extension.
Provides information about characteristic traits of beef cattle breeds including growth, carcass, cow production, and young heifer.