Exam 1 Flashcards
True or False
There is an inverse relationship between the price of corn and heifer prices.
False
True or False
The dairy industry is not important in terms of beef production in the U.S.
False
True or False
In the cattle cycle, high prices are an indication of an undersupply of cattle.
True
True or False
When measuring tenderness in beef, shear force increases as the % Bos indices influence increases.
True
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.
True
True or False
Visual appraisal is not necessary when selecting cattle to breed
False
True or False
EPDs do not predict uniformity or variation in half a calf crop
True
The typical length of the cattle cycle is how many years?
a. 5
b. 10
c. 15
d. 20
b. 10
Which of the following breeds does not have Bos indicus influence?
a. Brangus
b. Beefmaster
c. Santa Gertrudis
d. Maine Anjou
d. Maine Anjou
Annual feed cost per cow is approximately?
a. $125 - 250/year
b. $350 - 450/year
c. $600 - 700/year
d. $ 1,000 - 1200/year
c. $600 - 700/year
When appraising cattle, width of base is used as an indicator of _____?
a. Bone
b. Fat
c. Capacity
d. Muscle
d. Muscle
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%
a. 87.5%
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
Visual appraisal Actual Performance Measures Adjusted Measures & Within Herd Ratios Expected progeny differences Bio economic indexes Genomic enhanced EPD and Indexes
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.
composite
The superiority in performance of crossbred cattle compared to the average or purebred parental breeds is called _____.
Hybrid Viger
_____ = best method for predicting an animal’s genetic level or genetic worth
EPD
The level of performance that beef cattle exhibit for each trait is dependent on _____ and _____.
Genetic
Environment
$ value indexes are in reference to _____ EPDs.
economics
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?
Better genetics and selection which contribute to cattle weights increasing
In which region in the U.S is the majority if cow-calf operations located? Why is this region excellent for cow-calf production?
Midwest
the Range and climate
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?
Cheaper alternatives
Healthier options
Animals welfare
Name an example of a British (Bos taurus) beef breed and discuss 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of the breed.
Angus
Advantages: maternal traits, great temperament
Disadvantages: not heat tolerant
Name an example of a Zebu (Bos indicus) beef breed and discuss 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage of the breed.
Brahman
Advantages: heat tolerant, insect resistant
Disadvantage: not as good tempered
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?
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.
State one visual characteristic that would make a female appear “Feminine” and one visual characteristic that would make a male appear “Masculine”
Females should be less muscular overall, smaller and defined head
Males should be more muscled, through the shoulder and neck, bigger head, and frame
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.
High Calving ease
High Milk production
Lower weaning weight
List and describe the two(2) most recognized reasons for crossbreeding. These may also be thought of as the benefits, or values, or crossbreeding
Crossbreeding increases heterozygosity
Crossbreeding improved traits that you want for performance, such as milk production
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?
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
