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Providing environmental protection and adequate water is not
just an issue of animal well being, it is vital for
optimizing cattle performance. Environmental protection
should include excellent pen maintenance for confined
cattle. Mud, of course, is contamination and reduction of
mud on carcasses would be expected to reduce the bacterial
contaminants present on animals and possibly reduce the
introduction of pathogens from the hide to the carcass. Mud
is a big profit robber in confined cattle. Mud increases
maintenance requirements and decreases feed efficiency. Mud
also causes considerable loss of hide value and increases
the cost of processing at the packing plant. The value of
the hide has been a topic of packers and industry leaders
alike. Proper insect control programs will help prevent
hides from damage by grubs and various insects. In
South Dakota, many producers are located in brand areas
which are required to brand cattle. Other producers realize
the importance of branding as an economical way to identify
cattle against theft, etc. It is important to realize that
branded hides can still have value if the brands are located
properly. Shoulder brands and brands that are located high
on the hip near the tail head are more desirable areas to
locate brands. Providing environmental protection, mud
control, and an adequate supply of fresh clean water are
important parts of quality cattle management.
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