Exam 1

Question 1

True or False

There is an inverse relationship between the price of corn and heifer prices.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

True or False

The dairy industry is not important in terms of beef production in the U.S.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

True or False

In the cattle cycle, high prices are an indication of an undersupply of cattle.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

True or False

When measuring tenderness in beef, shear force increases as the % Bos indices influence increases.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

True or False
Postponing the calving season to approximately 40 days before maximum forage growth can be beneficial because there is an increase in reproductive performance.

Answer 5

True

Question 6

True or False

Visual appraisal is not necessary when selecting cattle to breed

Answer 6

False

Question 7

True or False

EPDs do not predict uniformity or variation in half a calf crop

Answer 7

True

Question 8

The typical length of the cattle cycle is how many years?

a. 5
b. 10
c. 15
d. 20

Answer 8

b. 10

Question 9

Which of the following breeds does not have Bos indicus influence?

a. Brangus
b. Beefmaster
c. Santa Gertrudis
d. Maine Anjou

Answer 9

d. Maine Anjou

Question 10

Annual feed cost per cow is approximately?

a. $125 - 250/year
b. $350 - 450/year
c. $600 - 700/year
d. $ 1,000 - 1200/year

Answer 10

c. $600 - 700/year

Question 11

When appraising cattle, width of base is used as an indicator of _____?

a. Bone
b. Fat
c. Capacity
d. Muscle

Answer 11

d. Muscle

Question 12

In herds where replacements are saved, what percentage of the genetic makeup of each calf results in from the last 3 sires used?

a. 87.5%
b. 67.5%
c. 54.5%
d. 76.5%

Answer 12

a. 87.5%

Question 13

Put the following steps of the Evolution of Beef Cattle in order.
Actual performance measures, Bio economic indexes, Genomic enhanced EPD and Indexes, Visual appraisal, Expected progeny differences, Adjusted Measures & Within Herd Ratios

Answer 13

Visual appraisal 
Actual Performance Measures
Adjusted Measures & Within Herd Ratios
Expected progeny differences
Bio economic indexes
Genomic enhanced EPD and Indexes

Question 14

A _____ group of cattle is a population created from 2 existing breeds, designed to retain heterosis from one generation to another, and maintained similarly to purebred cattle populations.

Answer 14

composite

Question 15

The superiority in performance of crossbred cattle compared to the average or purebred parental breeds is called _____.

Answer 15

Hybrid Viger

Question 16

_____ = best method for predicting an animal’s genetic level or genetic worth

Answer 16

EPD

Question 17

The level of performance that beef cattle exhibit for each trait is dependent on _____ and _____.

Answer 17

Genetic

Environment

Question 18

$ value indexes are in reference to _____ EPDs.

Answer 18

economics

Question 19

The 2018 cattle inventory is similar to 1954. However, beef production is 2.2 times higher that in 1954 because of the increase in carcass weight. Which 2 factors explain this increase in carcass weight over the past 64 years?

Answer 19

Better genetics and selection which contribute to cattle weights increasing

Question 20

In which region in the U.S is the majority if cow-calf operations located? Why is this region excellent for cow-calf production?

Answer 20

Midwest

the Range and climate

Question 21

Per capita consumption of beef decreased from 94.3 to 55.2 lb/person between 1976 and 2016. Which 3 factors could explain this decrease in beef consumption? What could the beed industry do to address this decrease in consumption?

Answer 21

Cheaper alternatives
Healthier options
Animals welfare

Question 22

Name an example of a British (Bos taurus) beef breed and discuss 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of the breed.

Answer 22

Angus
Advantages: maternal traits, great temperament
Disadvantages: not heat tolerant

Question 23

Name an example of a Zebu (Bos indicus) beef breed and discuss 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of the breed.

Answer 23

Brahman
Advantages: heat tolerant, insect resistant
Disadvantage: not as good tempered

Question 24

The most demanding time in terms of nutrition for heifers is right after calving for the first time. What are the 3 factors that lead to their high nutrient requirements?

Answer 24

They are still trying to reach their full body weight while nursing a calf
They are smaller, and have to work harder to feed the calf for the first time
Negative energy balance, they can’t eat enough to maintain weight.

Question 25

State one visual characteristic that would make a female appear "Feminine" and one visual characteristic that would make a male appear "Masculine"

Answer 25

Females should be less muscular overall, smaller and defined head Males should be more muscled, through the shoulder and neck, bigger head, and frame

Question 26

Which 3 factors would you look for when selecting a bull to breed to heifers? The heifer calves will be retained or sold for breeding.

Answer 26

High Calving ease High Milk production Lower weaning weight

Question 27

List and describe the two(2) most recognized reasons for crossbreeding. These may also be thought of as the benefits, or values, or crossbreeding

Answer 27

Crossbreeding increases heterozygosity | Crossbreeding improved traits that you want for performance, such as milk production

Question 28

Consider the following crosses: Simmental x Angus, Brahman x Hereford, and Angus x Red Angus. From which of these crosses would you expect to see the least amount of heterosis (hybrid vigor) in various traits?

Answer 28

Angus and Red Angus they are the most similar to one another, breeding them together only creates more similar characteristics. Doesn't promote hybrid vigor