As one moves across the United States from state to state, people have different methods to doing things. This is just like how Australia and the United States is, different methods for different theories, and also by using the resources available to one. Both in the states and in the land down under we have a nifty little device, an Electronic Identification tag (EID), that goes in an animals ear that holds all the information needed for them. The only difference is, is that in Australia it is mandatory for cattle and highly recommended for sheep. With the help of an EID all the information of each calf is entered into one large data base that is controlled by one company.  You can read more about it at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/nlis . To myself I think that this is a very good idea, making it mandatory, where in the U.S. it isn't required. With this system a rancher may be able to look at what bull was with each  heard of cows and also may look at what vaccinations have been given to each calf. In Aussie, their main reason why it is required is because they are worried about Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). With this system they are able to track every animal, from when it is moved to the farm to when it is moved into the packing plant.  Here in the States we concentrate a lot on marbling. Well.... in Australia I don't think that they know what marbling is HA. They are more into hormone free grass fed beef where here in the states we strive for marbling! While we were across seas we saw one feedlot, which was owned by the packing plant. They keep the cattle for 100 days no matter if they are ready or not. They feed them a ration that consists of roasted wheat, cotton seed, cotton seed hulls, and a little ground hay in the starter ration. In the states we use more of a silage, corn, distillers, and ground hay and alfalfa. We also keep them longer if needed to meet the standards that the feedlot owner prefers. This also shows affect in the marketing part of things too! Most Australians prefer "natural beef" which is the grass fed hormone free beef where here in America we are looking for the most marbled steak that will be the juiciest off the grill.   Different countries have different tricks of the trade, in America we prefer beef over lamb where in Australia its vice versa. They also have different ways of keeping livestock records as a whole. Each country prefers different ways than others just as people have different ways of doing things. This trip was a once in a lifetime trip and a very educational one too! If you have the opportunity to go, GO! Stay Classy America! Schaake