Cal Poly's beef program is the largest livestock program in the animal science department. With nearly 300 cows and more than 4,000 acres of rangeland, animal science students are given the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the beef industry. Students are introduced to the Cal Poly beef program in ASCI 221, introduction to beef production, where they have the opportunity to work with cattle.
Students learn basic handling and processing techniques. Through this they gain basic animal handling skills and the self assurance that comes from working with large animals. After completing ASCI 221, introduction to beef production, students have the opportunity to participate in a number of beef cattle enterprises and applied research projects. Cal Poly provides undergraduate students the opportunity to work with and manage the cattle, activities that are generally reserved for graduate students at most universities.
The purebred herd is made up of Angus, Limousin, and Shorthorn cattle. These cattle are used to produce range bulls for commercial cattlemen. Students are provided the opportunity to participate in production and marketing activities typically associated with a purebred herd, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, sire selection and intensive management techniques.
The commercial herd is made up of 190 Amerifax X Angus X Simmental cows. Cal Poly continues to improve the herd through the use of artificial insemination.
Student participants in the Escuela Cow-Calf Enterprise manage the commercial herd and are able to see every aspect of a commercial operation, as the enterprise lasts through a complete production cycle.
