Previous unitNext unit
Unit content
Unit 3: Suckler Cow System and Source of Store Cattle
0/3
The suckler cow cycle
Rearing calves from dairy herds
Check for learning
Unit 3: Suckler Cow System and Source of Store Cattle

The suckler cow cycle

Introduction to the suckler cow cycle

 

The suckler cow cycle is a key component of beef production in the UK and refers to the system where beef cattle are raised by their mothers (suckler cows) until they are weaned. This system is different from dairy cattle, as suckler cows are kept specifically for beef production.

The cycle describes the entire process from breeding to the sale or slaughter of finished cattle.

Mating

The breeding season is often timed so that calves are born in the spring (between February and April) allowing for turnout in April/May when grass is abundant, and the cow would have access to plenty of grass to produce high quality and quantity of milk for her calf. Although many calve in the spring, some often calve in the autumn as well.

Gestation (length of pregnancy) lasts about 279-292 days, around 9 months, so planning breeding ensures that the calves are born at a time that aligns with optimal grazing conditions.

Calving

 

After the gestation period, the cow gives birth. In the UK, spring calving is common because it allows the calves to grow during February to April months when pasture is plentiful.

At birth, the calf stays with its mother and feeds from the mother and receives colostrum for nourishment. The cow's milk provides all the nutrition the calf needs for its early growth.

During the first weeks, cows and calves are often kept in sheds to protect them from some harsh weather and allow time for the bond between cow and calf to strengthen.

Lactation

After a few weeks, the cow and calf are turned out onto pasture, where the cow grazes and continues to provide milk for the calf.
The calf continues to suckle from the mother for about 6 to 8 months. During this time, the calf also starts to nibble on grass and other forage but is primarily dependent on its mother's milk.

The graph below shows the lactation curve of the cow, in relation to how much she eats to regain condition after using body reserves at the start of her lactation to ensure maximum milk production.

Lactation Graph

Weaning

Weaning occurs when the calf is around 6 to 8 months old. This is when the calf is separated from the cow and stops suckling.

By this time, the calf is typically weighing between 250 to 350 kg and is capable of surviving on a diet of grass, silage, or concentrates, without the need for milk from the cow.

Weaning is a critical stage in the cycle, as it marks the point where the calf’s diet and growth accelerate, becoming independent from its mother.

Post-weaning

After weaning, the calves enter a phase often called the "store period." During this phase, the young cattle (referred to as store cattle) continue to graze or are fed hay or silage during the winter months.
The growth rate of the weaned cattle is important during this stage, and they may receive additional concentrates depending on the system.

Store cattle are typically raised for another 12 to 18 months before reaching their finishing weight.

Video

 

Watch these videos to recap on what we have just looked at.

Suckler cow case study with Gethin Havard:

 

Overview of the production system:

 

This video comes from the Vocational and Post-16 'Beef Production' resources originally published on the Hwb website by the Welsh Government in 2014.

By-product of the dairy industry

The dairy industry is the main source of beef production in Britain. However, calves that originate from the dairy herd are a by-product of milk production and when used for beef production they are not always suitable.

The main factors influencing the herd’s by-product suitability for the beef industry are the bulls that are used to mate with the surplus dairy cows. There are some key considerations when selecting a bull for the production cycle.

Previous lesson
Next lesson