Animal Welfare
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Are cattle still raised in the “traditional” way?
Yes, most of America’s more than 800,000 beef producers are carrying on a family tradition that started several generations ago and raise cattle on the same pasture as their grandfather. Though technological advances have made it possible to produce beef today that is leaner and higher in quality, tradition is still very much a part of how cattle are raised.. Beef production starts on family farms and ranches across the country, with cattle spending the vast majority of their lives grazing in pastures. It’s not just a business, but a way of life.
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How concerned are beef producers with the health and welfare of their cattle?
Beef producers are very committed to the health and well-being of their animals. Providing a healthy environment with ample food, water and veterinary care creates an ideal environment for cattle to grow. From assisting in the birth of a calf late at night to checking on animals in the pasture before sunrise, this is a way of life. Proper animal care is also simply good business. Animals exposed to stress produce lower quality meat, so proper cattle care also means more valuable animals.
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How are animals cared for when they get sick?
Treating sick cattle responsibly is a science that beef producers take seriously. Producers work closely with veterinarians to promptly detect illness and provide treatment. At feedlots, sick animals are typically moved to a special “hospital pen” where they are treated and monitored. Antibiotics are one of the many tools farmers and ranchers can use to help treat sick animals, while still producing safe and wholesome beef.
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More information
FACT SHEET: Animal Welfare in Cattle Production
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