The Role of Bovine Practitioners in the Modern Livestock Industry

Abstract

Change has been the order of the day since 1950in the livestock sector of American agriculture. In fact, the whole industry has been affected, and these changes should be appreciated by bovine practitioners. They are of tremendous importance to his role of service to America's number one growth industry. The changes have come subtly in some areas, as in the shift to more beef cows and away from steer feeding in the corn belt states. In other areas-, it has been dramatic, such as the fantastic rise in large feedlots on the plains. Whether gradual or abrupt however, the impact of a changing animal agriculture should be fully understood and appreciated by all who are a part of this vast industry.

What's happened in American animal agriculture since the end of World War II? Viewing the livestock industry as a whole, several items standout. Nearly all areas of the country have been affected.