The beef cattle industry Flashcards
What does it mean when the index is 100?
The bull is the average
What does it mean when the index is 130?
The bull is in its top 1%
What does Spring Calving require?
Based on Grass-Grazing and out-wintering, the calves are weaned in the autumn
What does Autumn Calving require?
Conserved forages, adequate bedding and buildings- calves weaned in the summer/ at turnout
What are the benefits of a compact calving season?
easier calf management as they are all the same age, easier feeding as well
What is the Feeding of Beef cattle
More grazing, as they do not need to produce milk so less inputs and outputs
What are young stock rearing units like?
Take calves from the dairy sector
What are the 4 main phases of fattening units?
Backgrounding, Transition, Growing and Finishing
What is used to drive gain of weight in fattening units?
Starch as the energy increases fat deposition
What age do we aim to slaughter?
Under 30 months
What are beef cattle vaccinated against?
» Clostridial diseases.
» BVD.
» Leptospirosis.
» IBR.
Why do we castrate cows?
Easier to handle. * Better growth rates. * Better feed conversion. * Better carcass quality.
When can you castrate with a rubber ring?
when the calf is less than a week
When must you use anaesthetic when castrating?
over 2 months, and must be done by a vet
How do fattening units work?
Backgrounding for 35 days
Transition for 35 days
Growing for 60 days
Finishing for 60 days
