An Overview of the Segments of the Beef Cattle Industry and Animal Welfare Implications of Beef Industry Practices

The US beef cattle industry is a very dynamic and robust industry. Local, regional, and international events can influence the US beef cattle industry. Unlike most industries, the US beef cattle industry is not controlled by one overall management program. An increasing number of consumers are making animal product purchasing decisions based on how animals were raised and cared for. This decision is, in most cases, based on labeling claims made on packaged products, point of purchase materials offered, and/or conversations with those selling the product. Relative to dehorning, the guidelines recommend the selection of polled cattle to avoid having to deal with dehorning, but also recognize that if dehorning is necessary, it should be done by trained personnel while horn development is at the horn bud stage to limit the amount of tissue trauma. Humane treatment of animals has always been an ingrained social ethic among beef producers.