Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Humans and Cattle
A Brief History of Cattle
What’s Your Plan?
Chapter 2: Breeds and Cow Selection
Breeds of Cattle
Dairy Cattle
Beef Cattle
Breed and Environment
Temperament
Where to Get Your Cattle
Selecting Breeding Stock
Health Papers
Chapter 3: Handling, Transportation, and Infrastructure
Working Safely Around Cattle
Transporting Cattle
Fencing
Facilities and Equipment
Chapter 4: Cattle Biology
Forage and Digestion
How Cattle Handle Heat
Cold Weather
Chapter 5: Nutrition and Feeding
Major Nutrients
Concentrates
Choosing Quality Hay
Body Condition
Determining Supplemental Feed Needs
Chapter 6: Reproduction in Cattle
Estrous in Cattle
Pasture Breeding
Puberty
Artificial Insemination
Chapter 7: Calving
Stages of Labor
When Things Go Wrong
When to Rebreed
Calving Season
Care of the Newborn Calf
Chapter 8: Raising Calves
If Mom Does the Work
Bottle Raising a Calf
Weaning from Mom
Buying a Calf for Beef
Considerations for Bringing Home a Bucket Calf
Chapter 9: Cattle Health
Castration
Behavior and Appearance of Healthy Cattle
Antibiotics
Immunity and Vaccinations
Common Health Problems in Cattle
Health Problems for Calves
Health Problems for Cows
Chapter 10: Milk and Milking
How the Cow Makes Milk
Milking the Cow
Milking Equipment
Raw Milk
Milking Basics
Handling Raw Milk
Chapter 11: Beef
When to Process
Freezer Space
Beef Cuts
Chapter 12: Cattle and Environment
Grassfed Beef
Grazing Systems
How Grass Grows
Types of Grasses
Grazing Behavior
Implementing a Grazing Plan
Evaluating Pastures
Creating a Sacrifice Area
Deciding Paddock Size
Glossary
Additional Reading
Index
About the Authors
A Note About the Publisher