Quiz 1 Flashcards
List the 4 production segments
Seedstock - generate genetics
Cow/calf operation - raise animals for slaughter
Stocker - feeding on a high forage diet before feedlot
Feedlot - finishing - fattening the animal (concentrates)
What 2 operations make up 79.71% of total producers?
Cow/calf
Seedstock
Gestation length of cattle _____
285 days
Weaning of a calf happens between _____ and _____ days
90
205
When is a calf weaned?
Once its digestive system can process whole foods
What season should calving occur for good forage?
Spring
What are the key factors desired by consumers?
Marbling
Price
Why does the US rely on Imports from other countries?
We can’t produce enough on our own
What explains the increase in steer prices from 2003 to 2005?
Canada and the BSE outbreak
What explains the decrease in steer prices from 2007 to 2009?
The recession
What explains the dramatic increase in steer prices from 2013 to mid 2015?
End of the recession
What resulted in the upward trend in corn price from around 2005 to 2012?
Expansion of the corn industry - used for biofuel
What resulted in the downward trend in grain and feed price from 2008 to 2009?
Recession - costs were high and demand was low
What causes the “dip” in corn uses in 2012?
Drought caused a decrease in production
When the price of corn is high, what does that do to the price of a calf?
decreases
Top 2 slaughter operations
Tyson Foods, Inc.
JBS USA, LLC
What is keeping consumers from purchasing more beef?
expensive compared to other meats
other meats said to be healthier
What is the major reason for increase in broiler production?
Poultry = cheaper
What are the causes of the decrease in beef production in recent years?
cheaper alternatives
more expensive to raise
What are the top 4 countries that consume some of the beef from the US?
Japan
Mexico
South Korea
Hong Kong
What are the 4 parameters influenced by breed?
Maternal characteristics
Frame size
Carcass traits
Heat tolerance
Why is Angus the most popular breed of beef cattle?
Product quality
Origin of Bos taurus
Europe
Origin of Bos indicus
India
Bos taurus is also referred to as _____
exotic breed
Bos indicus is also referred to as _____
Zebu cattle
Example of Bos indicus breeds
Brahman
Example of Bos taurus breeds
Angus
Does Bos taurus or Bos indicus have a faster growth rate?
Bos taurus
Does Bos taurus or Bos indicus have better beef quality?
Bos taurus
Does Bos taurus or Bos indicus have better temperament?
Bos taurus
Does Bos taurus or Bos indicus have better tolerance to climate?
Bos indicus
What is the normal time of the year to wean a beef calf?
October - Fall
What is the length of a typical grazing season? Start & end dates?
Turnout - March to April (Spring)
Back - October
How many days is a 600lb calf on feed?
~220-230 days
How many days is an 800lb yearling on feed?
~180 days
Length of 1st trimester
~94 days
Length of 2nd trimester
~94 days
Length of 3rd trimester
~94 days
Days to get cow rebred
82
How many months does it take from the time we decide to expand the herd to when we can sell a weaned calf?
~30 months
When choosing a breeding/ calving season you consider:
feed/forage resources
labor availability
marketing strategy
When choosing a weaning date you consider:
forage supply and quality
cow BCS
Structural correctness looks for:
Level rump Strong top Hock ange Shoulder angle Knee & Pastern set
