The cattle industry Flashcards
Pre-weaning calf
period of weaning from 8-10 weeks, GIT transition from monogastric to ruminant
Heifer
female bovine that will calf for the first time
Steer/Bullock
male bovine that has been castrated
Bull
entire sexually mature male
Springer
Cow/Heifer that is close to calving
Transition cow
within the period of 3 weeks pre and 3 weeks post calving
Fresh cow
cow that has recently given birth and is beginning to produce milk
Dry cow
dairy cow that is no longer producing milk- usually pregnant and have a dry period of 60 days before calving
Free martin
female twin of a bull that is usually infertile
Cow calf operation
management unit that maintains a breeding herd of cows and produces weaned calves for sale
Feeder cattle
those that require more growth/ fattening before slaughter
Feedlot
beef cattle enterprise where cattle are placed in confinement, fed harvested feeds then put to slaughter
Finished cattle
fed cattle that are now ready for slaughter
What is required for organic cattle production?
Free-range, fewer pesticides, more strict rules regarding antibiotic usage- reduced production of both meat and milk
What is the farm assurance scheme?
Red tractor scheme, accepted by most farmers- they monitor what consumers value the most from their food
What are intensive systems?
Mainly housed, food is brought to them, increases productivity, there is reduced cost of production and smaller methane foot print
What are extensive systems?
Outdoor, grazing-based system- Housed part of the year (late autumn to end of winter, farming grass not animals- lower methane foot print
What are the benefits of cows lying down?
resting, rumination and increased milk production due to increased blood circulation through the udder
How much loafing space do cows require?
3m2
How much lying space do cows require?
7.5m2
How much cubicle space do cows require?
minimum 100% of their size, ideally 110%- loafing area is 120%
What are nutrients used for?
Basal metabolism, activity, growth, pregnancy, lactation
What is the volume of the reticulorumen?
150-200L
How long do cows spend in natural grazing condition?
4 to 9 hours a day,
what should the stocking density of the cubicles be like?
one cow per cubicle or less any more reduces lying time and increases aggression and abnormal behaviour