Beef animals are smooth, well-muscled animals with strong legs. They are fed to produce high quality lean meat, with a minimum of bone or fat waste. The dairy animals are more angular in shape than beef animals. The of dairy cows are often large and may hang lower. Dairy cows are fed more grain to increase milk production.
Most cattlemen place a numbered ear tag on each animal for easy identification.
They must pay a great deal of attention to the health of their animals to help them grow and to ensure their welfare. The farmers work along with the local veterinarian to ensure that the animals are vaccinated to help prevent disease. Working together, the farmer and veterinarian pay special attention to the rations of the animals to ensure proper nutrition to keep them strong and healthy. Cattle in the feedlot receive silage, hay and rolled grain such as barley, corn, wheat and oats. Much of the grain used for cattle feed is not suitable for human consumption.