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University of Nebraska, R.L.H.U.S.M.A.R.C., Clay Center, NE 68933 and Santa Ynez Research Farm, Inc., Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Abstract
The 25 yr, 1958 to 1983, were dynamic, but stressful, growth years for the beef cattle industry. Cattle numbers increased in a cyclical manner by over one million head/yr. Beef consumption/ capital increased from 28 kg in 1958 to 43 kg in 12976 and then declined to about 35 kg. a broad spectrum of economic, cultural and technological factors brought about great changes in many segments of the industry. Consumer demand for lean yet tender, tasty beef was a force for change. Science impacted the industry through many technologies. Genetic research stimulated the adoption of record of performance procedures as tools for improving economic traits of breeding herds. Crossbreeding to optimize average genetic merit and utilize hybrid vigor became a widely adopted practice. Importation of "new" breeds into North America Greatly increased the genetic base available to beef producers. Important developments related to reproductive efficiency included estrus synchronization, nutrition requirements for reproduction, pregnancy diagnosis, superovulation and embryo transfers. In the 1960's the commercial the custom cattle feeding indsutry underwent a dramatic shift in numbers, geographic location and technological handling of cattle and commodities. Largescale custom feeding operations were developed on the milo producing high plains of Texas. Commercial feeding expanded throughout the Great Plains from eastern New Mexico to Nebraska. Large meat packing companies built modern meat packing establishments on the high plains. This lead a shift away from the "river markets" and heralded a decentralization of the meat packing industry into the producing areas. Growth promotants came into general usage in the late 1950's and early 1960's. These compounds have been of great economic value in the cattle feeding industry. Nonprotein nitrogen compounds came into increased use as knowledge was gained on how properly to employ these materials. Grain processing research led to increased efficiencies in feed utilization. Marketing and processing of beef saw many changes. Rail dressing greatly increased the number of cattle that could be killed per hour. Boxed beef, cryovac packages of primal and subprimal cuts that move directly to stores instead of quarters, now accounts for 80% of the beef processed. USDA grading standards were changed in 1956, 1965 and 1976. Yield grades, estimated retail yield of trimmed boneless retail product in the four primal cuts, were adopted in 1965. The beef industry now faces a future which promises more change than in the past 25 yr. Computer assisted multidiscipline systems analysis of breeding and feeding operations will evaluate life cycle production with attention to matching genetic, nutrition and management resources. Reproductive efficiency will be enhanced by hormonal control and multiple births. The industry will be challenged to increase forage quality, to utilize greater amounts of by-product feeds and less grains in finishing cattle. Feed grains, however, will remain the primary energy source for finishing cattle. Rumen regulating drugs and genetic engineering to produce more useful microflora will provide increased potential for metabolizing feedstuffs into usable nutrients. The intact male, a simple means of in creasing lean beef production, will become an important part of beef marketed. the marketing of precooked main meal entrees and specialty meat products and a host of other "table ready" beef products and a host of other "table ready" beef products will increase the convenience for the consumer. Recently a committee of the National Cattlemen's Association aptly summarized the situation by stating "there is profitable future for cattlemen willing and able to meet consumers' needs."
Key Words: Beef Cattle • Industry • Changes • Future
1 Published as paper No. 7080 Journal Ser., Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta., Lincoln.
2 Anim. Sci. Dept., Univ. of Nebraska, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center 68933.
3 Santa Ynez Research Farm, Inc., P.O. Box 688, Santa Ynez, CA.
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