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
What are the benefits of intensive systems when it comes to feeding
Food is easy to reach, decreases bullying and stimulates cows to eat
What is total mixed ration?
all food is mixed into a wagon and distributed out, it optimises feed intakes and decreases rumen pH changes, problems can be incorrect weights of feed, overmixing and short chop length
When are dairy cows generally grazed?
From spring to autumn, dry to avoid poaching
Beef Suckler herds
cows calve in spring/autumn
calves born on the farm are reared by mother until weaned
Weaned at 12 weeks
Slaughtered at 18 months
What are the 4 sections that beef production can be separated into?
Pedigree breeding herds, Commercial beef suckler herds, young stock rearing herds and fattening units
Pedigree breeding herds
used in commercial beef and dairy herds which breed and rear animals for slaughter
How many cattle are there in the UK?
9.4 million
How many dairy farms are there in the uk?
13,200
How many beef farms are there in the UK?
26,000
What is the average price of a dairy heifer?
1500
What are the key points surrounding organic cattle production?
At pasture whenever the conditions allow for it, no antibiotics/ fertilizers- reduced production but higher market value
How do you test for bovine tB?
Skin tests or gamma tests
What are some common issues in cattle nutrition?
- Diet not mixed/feed correctly.
- Element of formulation has changed (usually silages).
- (composition/palatability of silage is different to the one used for calculation of diet)
What is the space needed for a cubicle?
minimum 100%, ideally 110%
What is the legal requirement for space in a calf pen?
1.5m2, ideally should be 3m2
What are the benefits of feeding in groups?
Social facilitation, higher feed intake and less growth variation
How much rumination activity occurs whilst lying down?
63-83%
What is an example of an extensive system?
Beef suckler herds
What is an example of an intensive system?
Barley beef or veal
When does most feed activity occur?
Once re-entering the parlour
When do beef calves become weaned?
12 weeks
When do beef caves leave their mothers (sucklers)
9 months
What does the Red Tractor scheme measure?
Food safety, Food welfare, Traceability and environmental protection
What are some farm accreditation schemes?
Action Johne’s, BVD Free, BVD Eradication policy, Premium cattle health scheme
What is DEFRA responsible for?
responsible for safeguarding our
natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and
farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy.
What is APHA responsible for?
- safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of
people, the environment and the economy.
What kind of disease is TB Primarily?
a chronic respiratory disease
What are the two ways you can test for TB?
Blood test, Gamma test
How many cattle were killed with TB Last year?
37000
What is the minimum length grass needs to be for a cow to graze it?
3cm
What are beef cows weaned on if they are spring born?
Grass
What are beef cows weaned on if they are autumn born?
Creep Feed
When are barely beef cows usually slaughtered?
around 10-12 months
What happens to spring born calves in the commercial beef suckler unit?
Weaned at 8-9 months, then either sent to a finishing unit or kept on to become suckler cows
What is the issue with young stock rearing units?
Taking calves from the dairy sector means it’s harder to control biosecurity and it is more likely that there is an exchange of pathogens
What are the 4 phases in a fattening unit?
Backgrounding, Transition, Growing and Finishing
What are the benefits of castration?
Makes them easier to handle, better growth rates and better carcass quality
When should you use anaesthetic when castrating cows?
When they are over 2 months, if they are under a week you can use a rubber ring with no anaesthetic
How can you do disbudding in a calf?
Chemical cauterisation if they are under a week, anything else requires anaesthetic- should not be done over 2 months old
