Beef Cattle: Intro

Question 1

Objective of the Cow-Calf herd

Answer 1

1 calf per cow and year

(hybrid vigour -> cow breed A and bull breed B)

Question 2

With the Cow-Calf aim of maximizing number of calves sold,

what 4 things are done to do so?

Answer 2

1) Maintain reproductive efficiency
2) Minimize calf morbidity and mortality
3) Keep cows cheaply over the winter
4) Market a calf that somebody wants to buy

Question 3

With gestation being 9 months, breeding must be within ___ days to get 1 calf per year

Answer 3

80 days

Question 4

When is the pregnancy diagnosis?

Answer 4

60-90 days after breeding season

(sell non-pregnant animals)

Question 5

In management of feeder cattle, what 2 things are required?

Answer 5

Grain and Protein Concentrates

Question 6

2 types of finishing

Answer 6

1) Finishing immediately (mostly grain)
2) Deferred finishing systems (roughage with some grain)

Question 7

2 main types of beef production

Answer 7

1) Cow-calf (herd of cows bred each year to produce calves)
2) Cattle feeders/feedlots (grow/finish calves till market)

Question 8

What is the breeding season for fall calving?

Answer 8

November - January

Question 9

3 types of management of Cow-Calf herd

Answer 9

1) Castration
2) Dehorning
3) Branding or marking