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Understanding Growth Physiology in Cattle
Lee-Anne J Walter1, Ty E Lawrence2
1Cattle Technical Services, Merck Animal Health, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice
|January 14, 2026
Summary
Understanding cattle growth physiology is key to improving beef production and carcass quality. This review covers muscle, fat, and bone development, highlighting hormonal and nutritional influences on growth rates and traits.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Physiology
- Beef Production
Background:
- Optimizing beef production efficiency and carcass quality requires a deep understanding of cattle growth physiology.
- Growth involves complex biological mechanisms from prenatal to postnatal stages, influencing tissue development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological mechanisms of muscle, fat, and bone development in cattle.
- To emphasize the roles of cell differentiation, hormonal regulation, and nutritional inputs in growth.
- To provide a framework for applying growth physiology principles to cattle management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of growth physiology in cattle.
- Analysis of biological mechanisms of tissue accretion.
- Examination of hormonal and nutritional influences on growth.
Main Results:
- Cattle growth is allometric, with distinct tissue-specific accretion rates.
- Hormones (estrogen, testosterone, IGF-1) significantly impact tissue development.
- Genetic selection and breed differences influence growth rates and carcass traits.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of growth physiology is crucial for enhancing beef production.
- Applying growth principles can optimize fed cattle management for improved efficiency and quality.
- Further research into genetic and hormonal factors can refine management strategies.
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