Beef cattle

Question 1

When were cattle passports introduced and why?

Answer 1

July 1996 because of BSE

Question 2

Profitable suckler herd requirements

Answer 2

Low feed costs

Longevity

Tight calving pattern

1 calf every year

Low calf mortality

Solid replacement policy

Question 3

Spring calving

Answer 3

Winter feeding = maintenance
- Cow may lose body condition
- Weaned calf - compensatory growth later

Summer grass
- Good conception rates
- Good milk = good calf growth

Supervision more difficult

Question 4

Autumn calving

Answer 4

Calving
- Cow in good condition
- Easy supervision
Winter Feeding = higher
- Breeding in winter
- Nursing calf
Weaned calves = higher price

Question 5

Veal

Answer 5

Dairy bred males

Milk throughout + hard feed + straw

Slaughter 6-7 months

Crates are banned

Question 6

Options after weaning

Answer 6

Intensive:
- Barley/silage bull beef
- Finish at 12-14 months
Extensive:
- 18/24/30 month beef
Sell as store cattle
Fattened cattle
Finishing cattle

Question 7

Feed conversion ratio

Answer 7

How many kg feed is required for 1kg weight gain

Total feed to group of cattle/bodyweight gained by group

Question 8

Killing out percentage

Answer 8

Salable carcass weight/live weight x100

Question 9

Factors affecting killing out %

Answer 9

Nutrition
Gender
Age
Breed