Chapter 22: Beef Cattle

• The animal shown in the picture is a(n):

  bull

  
• The angus shown is a(n):

  heifer

  
• What is the beef breed of cattle shown?

  Texas Longhorn

  
• Where was the beef breed (of the animal shown) developed?

  Texas

  
• Which of the following beef breeding belongs to Bos indicus?

  Nelore

  Brahma

  Africander
• Which of the following breeds of beef cattle are most heat tolerant?

  Brahma
• The factor that has the biggest influence on age of puberty is:

  nutritional statues of the heifer
• What would be an acceptable condition score for a replacement heifer?

  1-3
• Which of the following will increase Net Energy of maintenance in beed cattle?

  Lactation

  Gestation

  Grazing/Activity

  Growth
• Be familiar with the genus and species of various breeds of beef cattle

  Bos Taurus

  Bos Indicus
• Define: Stocking Rate


  number of cattle per unit land area of pasture
• Define: Heterosis


  improved production performance in hybrid/crossbred
• Define: Estrus


  in heat; most fertile
• Define: Replacement heifers


  heifer that is raised to be bred and replace another cow in the herd
• Define: Dystocia


  Calfing difficulties
• Define: Stocker Program 


  Grow replacement animals (heifers)

  Inexpensive feeds for growth of calves following weaning
• Define: Background programs 


  short duration weaning calf & making sure they eat adequate amount They either get sent to a stocker, growing or a finishing program.
• Define: Finishing Program


  toward end of growth period reduced forage intake & increased concentrates Animals are Fattened (getting ready for market)
• What is the age at first breeding?

  14-16 months
• What is the age at first calving?

  2 years (24 months)
• What is the expected calving interval?

  once every year
• What is the length of lactation?

  8.5 weeks months (less than dairy because they're weaned off)

  2-4 weeks later than seen for dairy
• What are some factors affecting return to estrus following calving?

  Parity, Season, Suckling of Calf, Breed, Dystocia, Nutritional Status
• What are some factors affecting birthweight of calves?

  Fecundity (fertility)

  Gender

  Parity

  Breed

  Heat (decreased) or Cold (increased) stress

  Maternal nutrition (decreased if poor)
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 1

  Body Fat 3.8%

  Body Protein 19.4%

  Emaciated – easily visible bone structure
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 2

  Body Fat 7.5%

  Body Protein 18.8%

  Very thin – minimal tissue coverage along spine
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 3

  Body Fat 11.3%

  Body Protein 18.1%

  Thin – identifiable ribs, but not sharp to touch
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores:4

  Body Fat 15.1%

  Body Protein 17.0%

  Borderline – some fat covers ribs; transverse processes and hip bones
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 5

  Body Fat 18.9%

  Body Protein 16.8%

  Moderate  -- good overall appearance; palpable fat cover
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 6

  Body Fat 22.6%

  Body Protein 16.1%

  Good  -- ribs are not visible to eye
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 7

  Body Fat 26.4%

  Body Protein 15.4%

  Fat – obviously has considerable fat
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 8

  Body Fat 30.2%

  Body Protein 14.8%

  Very fat – fleshy and overconditioned – difficult to palpate spinous processes
• Beef Cattle Body Condition Scores: 9

  Body Fat 33.9%

  Body Protein 14.1%

  Obese – extremely fat and patchy; mobility may be impaired
• Beef Cattle: Hereford

  Originated in England

  Common beef animal

  
  

  early maturity and fattening ability.

  
  

  Dark red to red yellow in color with a white face, or simply red with white face & points

  Can be Horned and/or Polled

  Herefords are known for their longevity, and for being docile, easy calvers, good milkers, and good mothers.

  
  

  Known for Pink Eye
• Classification: Hereford

  Bos Taurus / British Breed
• Beef Cattle: Angus

  native to Angus (near Scotland)

  most popular beef breed in the US

  always black in color

  can produce red angus

  Known for Marbling ability:

  high quality carcass characteristics which yield well-marbled, flavorful beef.

  Angus cattle require little maintenance during calving season, are good mothers, and are very feed efficient
• Classification: Angus

  Bos taurus / british breed
• Beef Cattle: Red Angus

  Originated in the British Isles

  Barred from Angus herdbook

  Are not as popular as Black Angus, but they do have the same valuable carcass characteristics that result in increased marbling and flavor.

  Are a docile cattle breed that have good mothering traits. They are more tolerant to hot temperatures than black Angus.

  Recognized as separate breed
• Classification: Red Angus

  Bos Taurus / British Breed
• Beef Cattle: Devon

  Originated in England

  Also called North Devon

  One of the Oldest Beef Breeds

  At one time used for milk

  Mature cows weigh 950-1300 lbs