Beef Production Industry Flashcards
What are the roles of the veterinarian in quality food production?
Animal health and well-being, support of producer in managing the health and productivity of his animals, and to monitor the safety and wholesomeness of animals entering the food chain
What is the percentage of fed-beef cows that are under 20 mo.?
85%
What are the 4 phases of beef production?
Cow-calf, stocker-grower, finishing/fed cattle, consumption
Describe the cow-calf phase
Propagation of new animals, cows maintained on less-tillable land, minimal resource inputs, grass farming - ‘grass harvesting’, calves raised to weaning
What is the weaning age and weight of a calves at the end of the cow-calf phase?
7-9 mo; 500 lbs
Describe the stocker-grower phase
Calves usually purchased, fed high forage ration - grass harvesting, or small grain gleaning, minimal resource inputs, and growing phase = 8-15 mo.
Describe the finishing phase
Production of ‘finished’ animals - market weight/grade = 90-150 d, intensive confinement operation, fed mixed concentrate ration; commodities feeding, abundant, high energy feeds
What are the average lengths of each phase of the beef production system?
Calving/cow-calf phase: 6-8 mo Weaning and stocker phase: 4-8 mo. Feedlot: 4-6 mo. Harvest and fabrication: 2-4d Total time = 14-22 mo.
What is the mean weaning percentage and weight in Florida and how do these values compare to other places around the U.S.?
75% and 480 lb; both values are lower than the average in the U.S.
Hereford’s look very similar to what other breed? Why is differentiating them especially important?
They resemble Simmental’s; Because of the light pigmentation around the face and the eyes, which predisposes Hereford’s to cancer
What are 5 Bos taurus breeds?
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What are 5 Bos indicus breeds?
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What are 5 cross breeds of cows?
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When is the ideal time for the majority of calves to be born?
Jan - March
When is the breeding season?
April and May
What is the life span of the cow producing the calf?
About 8 years if she can stay in the herd, but some can be up to 15 years
Around what time of year is weaning done?
September
What are some things important to cow survival during calving season?
Parasitism, F. Hepatica, Clostridium hemolyticum, Johne’s, LSA
What are some nutritional factors that can affect cow health during calving season?
Forage management, protein/energy, minerals, Se, Co, Cu, P, BCS
What are some GI disease factors that can affect cow health during calving season?
Bloat and grass tetany