beef Flashcards
CA03-06
name the 3 main types of beef herds to get cattle to slaughter weight
- beef suckler (breeding) herd
- calf rearer
- beef finisher unit
what is the most common calving pattern for beef herds in the UK
block calving in Spring
name the 4 main aims of beef suckler farming
- one calf per year
- finishers finished at 12-24mo
- maximise use of grazing
- end product that fits required specification w/o penalties
name the 5 stages that a beef calf must survive and thrive during
(in order of decr. risk)
- perinatal period
- neonatal period
- weaning
- growing period
- fattening
what cost is one of the biggest factors affecting profitability of beef herds?
feed costs
what system is used for carcase classification?
EUROP system
what is the usual finishing age for beef cattle going to butchers market
16-24 months
what is the target carcase classification for beef cattle going to butchers market
R4L-R4H
what is the usual carcase weight for beef cattle going to butchers market
250-320kg
what is the usual finishing age for beef cattle going to supermarkets
16-30 months
what is the target carcase classification for beef cattle going to supermarkets
R3
what is the usual carcase weight for beef cattle going to supermarkets
280-380 kg
what is the usual finishing age for beef cattle going to manufacturing beef
12-30 months
what is the target carcase classification for beef cattle going to manufacturing beef
O2
what is the usual carcase weight for beef cattle going to manufacturing beef
280-400kg
name the 4 main factors affecting profitability of beef herds
- feed costs
- farm running costs
- market prices
- calf output
what pregnancy rate shows good fertility for a bull in a beef herd
> 90% pregnancy rate
(when running with 50 normal cycling cows for 9 weeks)
name 4 factors/traits of calves that make up the ideal scenario for beef cattle
- born easily
- grow rapidly
- have good conformation
- have good survivability
these are measures of genetic potential for specific traits;
estimate the phenotypic traits of an animal’s offspring;
calculated using performance data collected from known relatives;
can only compare animals of SAME breed
estimated breeding values (EBVs)
what EBVs do vets most care about in beef cattle?
calving ease
name 4 factors you want when buying the ideal bull
- safe to handle
- terminal sire status
- good health
- maternal traits
this is a cause of abortion and early embryonic loss;
transmitted through breeding - bulls can become carriers;
recommended to only buy virgin bulls;
can perform sheath wash for culture
Campylobacter fetus veneralis
name the 3 stages of the bull breeding soundness evaluation
- physical exam
- semen evaluation
- mating ability (libido) assessment
(stage 3 not routinely carried out)
what is the ideal BCS for a bull at mating
3-3.5