Precision Beef Farming in the Gulf:
Nutrition & Housing
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Producing high-quality beef in the Gulf requires a specialized approach. Unlike temperate climates, our primary challenge is Heat Stress Management. The requirements below have been adjusted to ensure cattle maintain growth rates even when summer temperatures exceed 40°C.
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Gulf-Specific Modifications applied below:
Mineral Loading: Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), and Magnesium (Mg) levels are increased by 20-30% to compensate for heavy sweating losses.
Nutrient Density: Energy (ME) and Protein (CP) concentrations are elevated to account for reduced Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during summer.
Vitamin Fortification: Vitamin A and E levels are doubled to support immune function and meat quality (color stability).
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Read the Disclaimer before blindly following these without a paid consultation.
Beef Calves
(Birth to Weaning)
The goal is to maximize the "Pre-Weaning Average Daily Gain" (ADG). Calves in the Gulf are highly susceptible to dehydration; fluid balance is critical.
Housing & Environment
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Space: 2.5 m² per calf (Group housing).
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Shade: 100% Essential.
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Bedding: Deep Sand (cooler than straw) or sawdust.
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Creep Area: A specialized area where calves can eat grain away from their mothers.
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Sample Creep Feed:
Ingredient | Amount (kg) | Cost (AED) | Nutritional Role |
|---|---|---|---|
Maize (Flaked/Ground) | 0.6 | 0.75 | High starch for rapid rumen papillae development. |
Soybean Meal | 0.25 | 0.58 | High undegradable protein (bypass) for muscle. |
Wheat Bran | 0.1 | 0.1 | Palatability and texture. |
Molasses (Liquid) | 0.05 | 0.05 | Sweetener to encourage early intake. |
Alfalfa Hay | 0.1 | 0.17 | Scratch factor (fiber). |
Total Cost / Day | 1.1 kg | ~1.65 AED | Plus cost of dam's milk. |
Weaned Stockers
(Growing Phase)
These are weaned calves (approx. 150-250 kg) preparing for the finishing lot. The focus is frame development (skeletal growth) without excessive fattening yet.
Housing
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Space: 3.5 - 4.0 m² per head.
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Water: 40-50 Liters/head/day capacity.
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Cooling: Fans required if THI > 74.
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Sample Grower Ration:
Ingredient | Amount (kg) | Cost (AED) | Nutritional Role |
|---|---|---|---|
Bermuda/Rhodes Grass | 2.5 | 2.75 | Cost-effective fiber base. |
Alfalfa Hay | 1 | 1.65 | Protein and Calcium source. |
Barley (Rolled) | 1.5 | 1.73 | Safer energy source than corn for this stage. |
Wheat Bran | 1 | 0.95 | Fiber and Energy. |
Soybean Meal | 0.3 | 0.69 | Protein corrector. |
Total Cost / Day | 6.3 kg | 7.77 AED | Efficient frame growth. |
Finishing Cattle
(The "Money" Phase)
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The final 100-150 days before slaughter. The goal is marbling (intramuscular fat) and white fat cover. In the Gulf, we must manage the "Heat Increment of Feeding" (body heat generated by digestion).
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Housing (Critical)
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Shade: 4.0 m² shade per animal.
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Feeding Time: Feed 70% of the ration at sunset (18:00 - 20:00) so the heat of digestion occurs during the cooler night hours.
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Water: 80-100 Liters/head/day.
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Sample Finishing Ration:
Ingredient | Amount (kg) | Cost (AED) | Nutritional Role |
|---|---|---|---|
Maize (Cracked) | 6 | 7.5 | Primary starch for white fat & marbling. |
Barley | 2 | 2.3 | Energy diversity. |
Wheat Straw | 1 | 0.8 | Essential "scratch" to prevent acidosis. |
Alfalfa Hay | 1 | 1.65 | Palatability and buffer. |
Soybean Meal | 0.8 | 1.84 | Protein. |
Vegetable Oil/Fat | 0.2 | 1 | "Cool Energy" (High calorie, low heat). |
Mineral Premix | 0.15 | 0.45 | Heavy yeast/buffer pack essential. |
Total Cost / Day | 11.15 kg | 15.54 AED | High investment for premium meat quality. |
Beef Cows
(Lactating & Pregnant)
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The brood cow herd. They must maintain condition on cheaper roughages.
Modified Gulf Nutritional Requirements
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Crude Protein: 9 - 11% (Low requirements; save money here.)
Energy (ME): 8.5 - 9.5 MJ/kg (Maintenance energy.)
Phosphorus: 0.30% (Critical for fertility (cycling).)
Vitamin A: 4,500 IU/kg (High requirement for ovarian function.)
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Sample Pregnant and Lactating Beef Cow ration:
Ingredient | Amount (kg) | Cost (AED) | Nutritional Role |
|---|---|---|---|
Wheat Straw | 5 | 4 | Bulk filler (gut fill). |
Bermuda/Rhodes Grass | 3 | 3.3 | Moderate quality forage. |
Wheat Bran | 1.5 | 1.43 | Provides Phosphorus lacking in straw. |
Urea (Feed Grade) | 0.05 | 0.15 | Cheapest nitrogen source for rumen bugs. |
Salt/Min Block | Ad lib | 0.2 | Essential electrolytes. |
Total Cost / Day | 9.55 kg | 9.08 AED | Economic maintenance. |
Breeding Bulls
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Bulls are often neglected. A fat bull is a lazy breeder; a thin bull has low sperm count.
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Modified Gulf Nutritional Requirements
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Zinc: 60 mg/kg (Elevated for sperm quality and hoof health).
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Vitamin E: 50 IU/kg (Elevated for heat stress protection of sperm).
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Energy: Moderate. Prevent obesity.
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Sample Breeding Bull Ration:
Ingredient | Amount (kg) | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
Bermuda/Rhodes Grass | 6 | 6.6 |
Alfalfa Hay | 2 | 3.3 |
Concentrate Mix (14%) | 2 | 2.5 |
Total Cost / Day | 12.40 AED |
In the Gulf, "Least Cost" does not mean "Cheapest Feed".
It means the cheapest feed that the animal will actually eat during heat stress.
Ration palatability (adding molasses/water to reduce dust) is just as important as the chemical formulation.
Life Stage | Daily Feed Cost | Target Outcome |
|---|---|---|
Calf (Creep) | ~1.65 AED | Rumen development, early weaning. |
Grower | ~7.80 AED | Skeletal growth, healthy frame. |
Finisher | ~15.50 AED | Premium marbling, heavy carcass weight. |
Cow (Maint.) | ~9.10 AED | Annual calf production. |