The beef cycle can be split up into four main stages of production. At the beginning of the
process (the open phase), which is between 0-82 days, the cow is calving/giving birth,
rebreeding, and lactating for their young. Although most cattle farmers do not wait until 82
days to actually rebreed, this marks the latest in which a farmer should wait if they want to
net a calf annually. After breeding, the first trimester begins, in which the cow becomes
pregnant. The first trimester typically lasts around 95 days. They will also continue
lactating because of the increased nutrients needed to be given to the calf. The second
trimester (about 94 days) is usually when the calf is weaned and introduced to the food that
it will eat when it is mature. This stage of the cycle is also marked by the fact that lactation
stops, which means that the cow itself can preserve its protein and other nutrients for itself.
The third trimester (again lasting ~94 days) is when the cow is about ready to give birth to
a calf, and once this happens, the cycle repeats once again.
To be a successful cattle farmer, aspects of the beef-raising process must be taken into
consideration. For example, the beef production cycle is a fairly long process, so cattle
producers must be attentive to each stage so that they can plan accordingly and produce a
young and healthy calf. Breeds of cows should also be kept in mind, since some kinds, like
the angus and hereford, are maternal, so they will be better at giving birth. Compare this to
