U.S. patent application number 11/780594 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for method of herd management.
Invention is credited to James Fuqua.
Application Number | 20080017124 11/780594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27610042 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080017124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fuqua; James |
January 24, 2008 |
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.
Inventors: |
Fuqua; James; (Quanah,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARSTENS & CAHOON, LLP
P O BOX 802334
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
|
Family ID: |
27610042 |
Appl. No.: |
11/780594 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10060616 |
Jan 30, 2002 |
7278373 |
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11780594 |
Jul 20, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 11/004 20130101;
A01K 11/006 20130101; A01K 29/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/174 |
International
Class: |
A01K 29/00 20060101
A01K029/00 |
Claims
1. A method of managing a cow herd for optimal production
comprising: identifying a calf in a cow herd; collecting data on
the calf produced from the cow herd; classifying the calf as a
feeder or a cull based on the collected data; culling said culled
calf prior to shipment to a feedlot; and placing said culled calf
into a group according to at least one of phenotype, deformity,
size, weight and health.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising linking said collected
data and group of said culled calf to a cow and a bull in said cow
herd, wherein said culled calf is a biological offspring of said
cow and bull.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the collection of data includes
at least one of ear tag number weight, location, service year,
vaccination type, vaccination lot number, vaccination date, weaning
weight, weaning date and percentage of said cow's body weight.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the classifying step includes
correlating said collected data with the genetic lineage of the
calf.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the classifying step includes
correlating said collected data with estimated progeny differences
of said cow and bull.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the classifying step includes a
statistical numerical analysis of the collected calf data and a
determination of the economic costs and gains associated with the
production of the calf.
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 specific
traits relating to marketing goals.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] 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. It is the
genetic blueprint that determines all the different attributes of
the individual calf from the time of conception to the final
destination in life.
[0004] The rancher today does not have to give up ownership when
the calves leave his or her ranch or control. Through retained
ownership interests, it is possible to cultivate and develop the
end product before selling the calves at one or more marketing
points to one or more market targets. It is in this concept that
this invention was developed for and designed to implement. It also
provides the flexibility for the rancher to take advantage of all
situations and know his or her margin of profit at any time in the
production chain for differing markets. This information allows the
rancher to be able to determine the optimum time and market to sell
the beef calves.
[0005] There are many genetic and processing principals that will
enhance the weight of an animal or improve its rate of gain and/or
economic efficiency, and overall market desirability and
consistency. Hybrid vigor is one such method where two genetic
lines are crossed to produce an F1 Cross. This F1 cross can be
created by two different bloodlines within or between breed types
of cattle. These methods are primarily designed to improve animal
weight, but pay little or no attention to other factors such as,
economic efficiency, processing and feeding environments, or the
ability to replicate the targeted market traits and reduce the
non-targeted market traits with any consistency.
[0006] The historical use of multiple cattle breeds and cross
breeding has resulted in a very diverse beef cattle population with
variable eating qualities such as tenderness, taste, fat content,
size of cut as well as many other factors. The beef cattle industry
is constantly changing at ever increasing rates, due to consumer
demands, food safety and other issues. Although some may disagree,
cattle producers are in the food business, in contrast to the
ranching business. Meat competes with other sources of protein
available on the market, some of which are less expensive compared
to the cost of beef. Beef is a very "elastic" commodity, or in
other words, is sometimes called a luxury type item. With this in
mind, this translates to the higher consistent quality being the
true goal of each market group. In plain terms, when people
purchase or order a steak, they expect to have an enjoyable eating
experience. 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. (I.e.: not all United States Department of
Agriculture grade "Choice" steaks have the same taste, tenderness
or cutting qualities.) However, the largest failure is lack of
ability to identify, track, sort, and replicate the better quality
cattle consistently for specific markets.
[0007] Until, recently there was little incentive for the rancher
or cattle producer to spend time tracking data needed for different
markets. Only in very recent years has the long-term practice of
buying cattle on the average cash market been curtailed. 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. In
other words, the beef packer buyer bought a large number of cattle
based on the average value of the cattle he or she purchases. The
only cattle priced correctly were the average cattle. The poor
quality cattle received a premium price, greater than their true
carcass value, and the higher quality cattle were discounted to
make up the losses in the lower quality 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. In
fact, the cheapest cattle the cattle producer could raise brought
the highest premium for its quality. 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.
[0008] In the mid to late 1990's cattle markets began to
significantly change. Beef packing companies began to purchase
greater numbers of cattle on a formula basis, and thus began to
control via contract greater numbers of available slaughter cattle
population. The formula basis was a new way of purchasing cattle
from owners. In the past, cattle purchases were on a cash average
basis and all cattle needed for the week were normally traded in
the first two days of the week setting the price for the rest of
the week. 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. The large change
came when beef packing plants had enough contracted formula cattle
and therefore did not need to purchase cash average basis cattle.
This results in a severe cash price market drop when few cattle are
needed on the cash market. Today, the average cash market is rarely
used except when no other means is available for the seller of the
cattle. Market participants have now created a cattle market based
on the value of the processed product the consumer demands.
[0009] Cattle producers must now consider and determine the end
product value of the cattle they produce. Fortunately,
technological improvements in live animal carcass evaluation are in
prominent use today. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,472 (Hayes),
which issued May 17, 1988 and others have proposed ways to
accurately measure and collect data on an animal's physical
dimensions and weight by using video imaging techniques. Similarly,
ultrasound back fat measurements of cattle is known in the art from
the work of Professor John Brethour of Kansas State University's
Fort Hayes Experimental Station, as explained in an article
entitled "Cattle Sorting Enters a New Age" appearing at pages 1-5
and 8 of the September, 1994 issue of D.J. FEEDER MANAGEMENT.
Professor Brethour has used the data from such measurements to
project and estimated optimum shipping or end date (OED) for the
measured animals. Also, various methods of sorting and weighing
cattle have been known or proposed, as disclosed, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,856 (Linseth) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,448
(Ostermann). Cattle Scanning Systems of Rapid City, S. Dak.,
markets a computerized video imaging and sorting system that
includes weighing and scanning external dimensions of each animal,
assigning a frame score and muscle score to the animal based on
such dimensions, calculating a predicted optimal end weight and
marketing date from the composite score and current weight data,
and then sorting the animals for feeding according to their optimal
marketing dates. Feedlots across the country are equipped with
ultrasound machines that identify cattle electronically and measure
cattle ribeye size, back fat thickness and marbling scores before
the animal is processed.
[0010] The characteristics of calves are now measured earlier based
on carcass quality for the market goals of the producer. Cattle
with high beef quality will have a consistent market in the future
where lower beef quality will be discounted or not purchased at all
depending on demand. There are many different systems for the
rancher to acquire data that will guide in decision making for the
producer. Some measure yearling weights and concentrate on weaned
weight of calves, some measure probability of gains at feedlots, or
of ribeye area and back fat. 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.
[0011] In view of the above described prior at, a need exists for
an improved method of managing cattle production by the cattle
producer. Likewise, a need exists for an improved method of
tracking and evaluating the genetic development and replication of
beef cattle to improve management of cattle herds, improve beef
quality and increase investment returns on cattle for the cattle
producer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a flow chart depiction summarizing the first
collection of data and overall method of improving and maintaining
the cowherd characteristics and traits by utilizing the invention
disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a flow chart diagram setting forth the method and
system of cowherd management for achieving improved beef quality,
herd physical characteristics and increased economic profitability
based on the collection of the previous history of data;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a flow chart depiction of the data collected and
returned on calves participating in the cowherd management system
disclosed herein showing the data collected during each phase of
production on a repeated basis;
[0018] FIG. 2B is a flow chart depiction of the process wherein the
calf is selected as a cull or feeder based on the calf weaning
weight to cow weight ratio;
[0019] FIG. 2C depicts an alternative process wherein the
production cost and profits associated with a particular genetic
line determines whether a breeding pair is culled or maintained as
a breeding unit;
[0020] FIGS. 3A-3E are data tables representing the collection of
actual performance and economic data returned on each individual in
the cow herd and the data returned from each phase of production of
the calf showing relative values participating in the method
disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an example of an actual chart setting forth a
marketing grid of the calculated grades with premiums and discounts
for a targeted base market of choice/yield grade 3 associated with
a cow herd consisting of 116 heifers showing relative values
participating in the method disclosed herein; and,
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention
disclosed herein which provides a cattle producer with the ability
to identify and track a meat product from conception to
consumption.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Turing to FIG. 1, the method by which a cowherd 102 is
selected and refined for improved physical and beef producing
characteristics is shown. The cowherd 102 population is mated to
selected bulls 103. The cows 102 and bulls 103 are selected by
using actual and/or EPD data for desirable traits, which further
the goal of the intended market level. Some of the important traits
are fertility, birth weight, environmental suitability and
efficiency. The offspring/calves 104 are then processed when the
youngest calf 104 is no younger than 60 days old. Cows 102 and
calves 104 are rounded up and brought in to a contained area called
working pens. Cows 102 and calves 104 are separated into different
holding pens. Cows 102 are then treated for external and in some
areas internal parasites, checked for proper identification tags,
which are replaced if, needed due to loss or unreadable numbers and
overall checked for any physical problem(s) that needs attention.
The cows 102 are then placed into a pen located adjacent to the pen
the calves 104 are to be processed. Then the calves 104 are
processed individually in the following minimum standard manner: A
brand is placed in the proper Beef Quality Assurance location and
manner, vaccination with a chemically altered vaccine type is done
for certain diseases and killed types of vaccines for others
depending on the disease vaccinated against. Bulls are castrated
and each calf 104 is given both an electronic identification tag as
well as a visual identification tag. However, the electronic
identification at this stage is optional. As each calf 104 is
processed, the calf 104 is allowed to return to its mother 102.
After all the calves 104 have been processed and the cows 102 have
had some time to find their calves 104, the cows 102 and calves 104
are released back to the location desired by the cattle
producer.
[0024] From this time to weaning, the cattle producer matches up
which cow 102 and which calf 104 go together, called pairs. A tally
list is usually kept to prevent recording repeats of the same pairs
and so that the cattle producer can take the data an input it into
a database for future reference. The cattle are then checked from
time to time for about 6 months.
[0025] After approximately 6 months or when the calves 104 are
about 50% of the body weight of the cows 102, the cows 102 and
calves 104 are again gathered into holding pens and separated. At
this stage of production the calves 104 are then weighed
individually and again processed in the following manner as
referenced by the National Cattleman's Beef Association criteria,
vaccines are given in modified live form for various diseases,
treatment for external and internal parasites is given and if not
done earlier an Electronic Identification Tag is inserted. The
calf's 104 data is recorded in a manner, which reflects the type of
vaccination, location of vaccination on the animal, weight and
Visual Identification Number as well as a correlated Electronic
Identification Number.
[0026] After the processing of the weaned calves 104, they are
transferred to holding pens usually in a central area for feeding
purposes for about 10 days, and after that are then turned out on
grass or wheat or some other high protein feed for a minimum of 35
days more. This process is sometimes called VAC-45, where the
cattle are held for at least 45 days after vaccination before
moving the cattle to distant locations. This allows the vaccines to
take effect and reduces stress on the calves 104. The cows 102 are
then processed after the calves 104 are processed, Each cow 102 is
individually weighed and looked over to determine again if any
physical needs should be tended to. The cows 102 are also treated
for both internal and external parasites as well as given any
vaccinations that are deemed necessary at the time.
[0027] Upon the completion of the 45 day period, the calves 104 now
called feeders 105 or yearlings are at their lowest economic
efficiency, where costs are in most cases higher than revenues if
sold. Nevertheless, the feeders 105 can be sold on the cash market
by the cattle producer. However, for most economic gains they are
usually placed on grass or wheat if available, for a period of time
that it takes the calves to gain enough weight to reach the 750 to
800 pound range. At the end of this stage of production, the
feeders 105 are then shipped to a feedlot. It should be noted that
this stage of production known as the feeder phase 105 could
terminate at any point after the 45-day period has been completed,
depending of availability of wheat or grass and or other concerns
both economical and environmental. Prior to shipping to the
feedlot, feeders 105 are sorted into groups that correlate with
USDA quality grades of Beef, namely Choice or better 106, Low
Choice/Select 107 and non-graded culls 108, based on prior data
where available and within each group by weight in increments of
100 pounds or less. Where prior data is not available such as in
the first year's data pass, known performance probabilities of
certain genetic lines are used, based on actual data and/or
Estimated Progeny Differences known as "EPD's" of cows 102 and
bulls 103. The culls 108 may be grouped due to poor performance,
phenotype, deformities, size/weight, health, as well as a host of
other considerations.
[0028] At this stage of production as shown in FIG. 2, the
economic, genetic and performance data now link individuals in
specific groups to individual cows 102 and bulls 103. From this
point of production to the end of production at the carcass level
the data becomes easier to acquire and more complete and accurate.
This data includes culls 108, and close attention is then paid to
the reasons for the culls 108. If a genetic link can be made the
individual cow 102 or bull 103, then that individual is then also
placed in the group of culls 108. In the case of the culls 108 each
individual is marketed to a market that returns the highest
possible returns unless health problems prevent marketing due to
condemnation of the carcass.
[0029] The beginning of the live cattle phase 110 is when the
feeders 105 are shipped to a feedlot. At this point, two things
happen, first, the live cattle 110 are converted from an animal
that eats mainly cellulose to an animal that eats mainly starch.
Second, the data on all economic measurements are easily captured
due to the confined environment and controlled inputs.
[0030] Live cattle 110 are processed by; retrieving individual
weights, tagging for lot number identification if not already done
at an earlier stage and sorted by sex and into groups that are 50
to 100 pound ranges upon entrance to the feedlot. Data again is
entered by visual or electronic identification and match up to past
data to continue a data history of each individual animal which
traces back to create a historical report of what each cow 102 has
produced. At the end of this stage of production is when the live
cattle 110 are marketed to targeted market grids. The Choice or
better 106 group is marketed on a grid that that optimizes economic
returns and matches the predicted carcass performance of USDA grade
choice or better. The Low Choice/Select group 107 likewise marketed
to a grid that optimizes economic returns and matches the predicted
carcass performance of USDA grade Low Choice or Select.
[0031] The next phase of production, the live cattle 110 are
marketed to targeted market grids. Upon completion of harvest by
the packer, individual carcass 112 return data is then broken down
into economic important measurements. These measurements include:
Back fat, ribeye area, Kidney/pelvic/heart fat measurements, hot
carcass weight, dressing percent, yield grade, quality grade, and
marbling score. Economic data includes: price per pound for each
USDA grade and yield grade division, premiums and discounts, and
other service charges and/or bonus revenue. This carcass 112 data
along with the final closeout data which includes days on feed,
average daily gain, dry matter conversion, in weight, and out
weight, as well as final cost of feeding and services from the
feedlot during the live phase 110 of the production is returned to
the cattle producer for integration into the data history in each
individual animal produced and this data history is then linked to
each individual cow 102 and bull 103.
[0032] This data and production process stream is then repeated for
the next breeding and production season to more refine the next set
of offspring 104 which is again linked back to the individual cow
102 and bull 103 to create a historical data stream for each
individual cow 102 and bull 103. However, each data pass the
starting population of cows 102 and bulls 103 is now altered to
reflect changes due to return data from prior calves 104 history of
prior breeding and production seasons. This allows the cattle
producer to change combination and market targets for individual
cows 102 and bulls 103 and their calves 104, or do away with the
genetic line altogether by placing them in the cull group 108.
Also, as data is compiled on each individual cow 102 and bull 103,
each animal's data history makes production from certain
combinations more predictable each time and allows individual cows
102 to be grouped into targeted market herds 115, where the
performance, and economic returns are highly predictable for the
calves 104 at any level of production from weaning as feeders 105
to the final phase or stage of production at the carcass level
112.
[0033] FIG. 2A depicts the data collection process during the
different phases of production which provides for the determination
of and selection of bulls, cows and calves with desirable
characteristics for improving the overall cowherd in terms of
genetic lineage, production benefits and profits.
[0034] FIG. 2B represents another depiction of the feeder 105 or
cull 108 determination made with respect to the ratio formed
between the calf weaning weight compared with the mother's weight
at weaning. Initially, the calf is born (Step 202) as previously
discussed herein. After approximately 6 months or when the calves
104 are about 50% of the body weight of the cows 102, the cows 102
and calves 104 are again gathered into holding pens and separated.
At this stage of production, the calves 104 are then weighed
individually and again processed in the following manner as
referenced by the National Cattleman's Beef Association criteria,
vaccines may given in modified live form for various diseases,
treatment for external and internal parasites is given and if not
done earlier or later, and an Electronic Identification Tag is
inserted. The calf's 104 physical and processing data is recorded
in a manner, which reflects the type of vaccination, location of
vaccination on the animal, weight and Visual Identification Number
as well as a correlated Electronic Identification Number (Step
204). The calf's weaning weight is then divided by its mother's
weight (Step 206). In the shown embodiment, if the ratio of the
calf's weaning weight is less than 50% of the calf's mother's
weight (Step 208), the calf is determined to be a cull (Step 210),
then slaughtered and processed (Step 212). Likewise, the bull that
produced the calf may then be castrated to prevent future breeding
by the bull in order to reduce the possibility of diluting the
genetic lines with lower grade calves (Step 214). Alternatively, if
the calf's weaning weight to mother's weight ratio is equal to or
greater than 50% (Step 216), the calf is vaccinated if not done
earlier (Step 218), castrated if not raised for breeding purposes
(Step 220), designated as a feeder and sent to a feedlot for weight
gain (Step 222), and then slaughtered (Step 224). In this
embodiment, the calf weaning weight to cow weight ration is
determinative as to whether the calf if graded as a cull or
feeder.
[0035] FIG. 2C is a flow diagram which illustrates an alternative
process by which the genetic quality of calves produced for beef
production is selected and maintained. A feeder calf is slaughtered
(Step 228) and the ratio of the costs associated with the
production of the calf versus the price of the calf at the
"railhead" (i.e. being sold to the beef processor) is calculated
(Step 230). An array of ratios is created by the cattle producer
(Step 232) for each of the calves slaughtered. The ratios are then
normalized to a predetermined value, in this example the value is
100 (Step 234). If the normalized ratio results in a figure above
100 (Step 236), the parentage and genetic lineage of the calf is
identified (Step 238) from the recorded calf data records as
discussed in FIGS. 1 and 2. If it is determined that the calf's
father has sired multiple calves with normalized ratios exceeding
100, the bull is then culled and processed for slaughter (Step
240). Likewise, if the calf's mother has borne multiple calves with
normalized ratios exceeding 100, the cow is culled and processed
for slaughter (Step 242). In contrast, if the normalized ratio is
below 100 (Step 244), the calf's sire and mother are retained as a
breeding pair for the next season (Step 246).
[0036] FIGS. 3A-3E are representative data which are collected on
each member of the herd during processing. FIG. 3A contains the
data collected for live cow 102 identification. The data gather on
each cow 102 includes the Cow Visual Identification Number 302 and
Cow Electronic Identification Number 304 which may be stored within
the cow ear tag number and electronically accessed by means known
in the art. The owner of the cow 102 is noted in column 306 the
date the cow 102 was last processed is noted 308. The Cow Weight
310 is measured at the time of weaning so that a ratio may be
determined to establish whether the cow 102 produces above or below
the average of the cow herd by measuring the actual body weight
produced each season. Individual comments 312 and Cow Location 314
data are recorded as observed. The Service Year 316 represents the
date or year the cow 102 is placed into the breeding herd. This
allows the cattle producer to know the actual ages of the cows 102
in the herd and make informed decisions on managing the age of the
herd for maximum herd health and economic return.
[0037] FIG. 3B represents typical data recorded on each calf 104
through development to the feeder 105 stage of production. The Type
of Vaccine 320 administered to each calf is noted. These vaccines
may include Chemically Altered (CA), Killed (K), or Modified Live
(ML) vaccines. The date each calf 104 is vaccinated is recorded
324. The Vaccine Lot Number 322 is recorded which includes each
administered vaccine's serial number, lot number and expiration
date. Vaccination data attributable to difference vaccines given
according the vaccination schedule are recorded as shown 326, 328,
330. The Weaning Weight 332 of each calf 104 is noted along with
the Weaning Date 334. Next, the Percentage of the Cow's Body Weight
Produced at Weaning 336 is determined by the cow's 102 weight
divided by each calf's 104 weight at weaning.
[0038] FIG. 3C depicts the data collected and monitored on each
individual calf 104 during production. The Year of Production 340
is noted along with each steer's Electronic Identification Number
342. The same data is recorded for each heifer 344, 346.
[0039] FIG. 3D contains data concerning each feeder calf's 105
shipping data. The Shipping Weight 350 and Shipping Date 352
represent the weight of the calf 105 when shipped to the Live Phase
of production to the feedlot, respectively. The Gain at Stocker 354
is the weight gain of the calf 105 during the feeder phase of
production. The Feedlot Location 356 represents the feedlot to
which the feeder calf 105 is shipped for Live Production 110.
[0040] FIG. 3E sets forth the data recorded during the Carcass
Phase 112. The Days on Feed (DOF) 360 of each Live Cattle 110 is
calculated as the number of days the Feeder 105 is fed at the
feedlot until the day the Feeder 105 is sent to the beef packer for
processing. The Feed In Weight 362 is determined as the actual
arrival weight of the feeder 105 at the time it is placed in the
feedlot. The Feed Out Weight 364 is the actual weight of the feeder
105 at the time it is removed from the feedlot for shipment to the
beef processor. The Hot Carcass Weight 368 is measured after
processing by the beef packer. The Average Daily Gain 370 is
calculated by subtracting the Feed In Weight 362 from the Feed Out
Weight 364 and dividing the difference by the Days On Feed 360. A
Dressing Percentage 372 is calculated and the Ribeye Area (REA)
374, Back Fat 376 and Kidney/Pelvic/Heart Content (KHP) 378 of each
individual carcass is measured and recorded during processing by
the beef packer. The Actual Yield Grade 380 is then determined on a
scale of 1 through 5 where a ranking of 5 designating a high fat
and low red meat content. The Actual Yield Grade (YG) 380 is
calculated according the formula: YG=2.5+(2.5.times.Back
Fat)+(0.2.times.KHP)+(0.0038.times.Hot Carcass
Wt.)-(0.32.times.REA)
[0041] The Marbling Score 382 is determined from the measured
intramuscular fat content of the carcass which is contained in the
ribeye between the 12.sup.th and 13.sup.th rib. This score
determines the quality grade of each carcass, which is measure in
100 point increments and ranked as follows: Prime=Abundant (Ab),
Slightly Abundant (SLA), Moderate (Mt); Choice=Modest (Md); Small
(Sm); Select Slight (Sl); Standard=Traces. A Prime grade represents
the highest quality beef product.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a Carcass Payment and Discount Grid which sets for
the exemplary values, scores and statistics for 116 head of cattle
produced by the method discussed herein. From the data shown in the
Grid, 5.17% of the cattle processed were of Prime quality, 91.36%
were rated as Choice, and 3.45% were rated as Select. Based on
these values and the data obtained during production as shown in
FIGS. 3A-3E, the genetic lines of the animals processed are
identified and compared to the processing grade of each cow's 102
ancestors allowing the cattle producer to make informed breeding
and production decisions based on the profitability of that cow's
genetic lineage.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 5, a flow chart depicting an
alternative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is shown.
Initially, the cattle producer may select a breeding pair to
produce a calf projected at achieving a predetermined target market
(e.g. Prime grade for meat production) (Step 502). Next, the calf
is born (Step 504) and identified with a unique visual identifier
(e.g. a brand) or an electronic identification device (e.g. an
electronic ear tag) (Step 506). The calf is then placed into the
cattle producer's production plan as a feeder and sent to a feedlot
for weight gain (Step 508). After a predetermined period of time or
an optimal weight is reached by the calf, the calf is sent to a
beef packer for processing and graded (Steps 510 and 512). The meat
is then packaged by the beef packer (Step 514) and, ultimately, the
meat product is consumed (Step 516). During the production phase of
the calf (Steps 506-514), data is collected on the calf such as
weight, owner and feedlot location and affiliated with the unique
identifier given to the calf at birth (Step 518). This method
provides a method by which a consumer may identify and locate the
cattle producer, feedlot and beef packer which were involved in the
production of the meat product consumed by the consumer as a source
of a quality product or, alternatively, in the event the meat
product causes a detrimental effect on the health of the
consumer.
[0044] While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms,
it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so
limited, but is susceptible to various changes without departing
from the scope of invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the
appended claims encompass any alternative embodiments of the
invention not disclosed herein that are within the ordinary skill
of a person knowledgeable in the art.
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