AGR 309

• What is the focus of genetics and breeding traits?


  Optimizing and maximizing traits
• Which breeds have the greatest benefits?


  Those that are optimized for specific traits
• What are the roles of the environment in breeding traits?


  • Plain mountain-northwest
  • Forest
  • Land field
  • Feed cow under roof leg structure
• What are some relevant and profitable traits in cattle breeding?

  • Reproductive performance
  • Weaning weight
  • Yearling weight
  • Feed efficiency
  • Carcass merit
  • Longevity
  • Conformation
  • Freedom from genetic defects
  • Disposition
  • Environmental adaptability
• What is the definition of reproductive performance in cattle?


  It refers to the ability to produce calves successfully
• What does weaning weight refer to?


  The weight of a calf when it is weaned from its mother
• How is yearling weight defined?


  It is the weight of a calf at one year of age
• What does feed efficiency measure?


  The amount of feed required to gain a certain weight
• What is carcass merit?


  It refers to the quality and yield of meat from an animal
• What is meant by longevity in cattle breeding?


  It refers to the lifespan and productive years of an animal
• What does conformation refer to in cattle?


  It is the physical structure and appearance of the animal
• Why is freedom from genetic defects important?


  It ensures the health and productivity of the herd
• What does disposition refer to in cattle?


  It refers to the temperament and behavior of the animal
• What is environmental adaptability in cattle?


  It is the ability of an animal to thrive in different environmental conditions
• What is reproductive performance related to in terms of mothering ability?


  It is the ability of a cow to successfully raise her calves
• What is the percent cow calf?


  The percentage of calves weaned from the total number of cows
• What is the target for one calf per cow per year?


  To achieve this within 60 days or less
• How is weaning weight calculated?


  It is based on the weight of the calf at weaning
• How do you calculate Average Daily Gain (ADG)?


  $ADG =$$\frac{\text{actual weaning weight} - \text{birth weight}}{\text{age of calf in days}}$
• What is the formula for 205-day adjusted weaning weight?


  $205 \text{ d adjusted weaning weight} =$$(ADG \times 205) +$$\text{birth weight} +$$\text{age of dam adjustment factor}$
• What is yearling weight?


  It is the weight of an animal at one year of age
• What does post-weaning gain refer to?


  It is the weight gained by an animal after weaning
• What is meant by pounds of weight gained per day?


  It measures the growth rate of the animal
• What factors should be considered when comparing pasture vs feedlot for cattle?

  • Threshold of growth
  • Feed efficiency
  • Pounds of feed per pound of gain
• What is meant by highly heritable traits?


  Traits that can be passed down from parents to offspring with high probability
• What is the role of compensatory gain?


  It refers to the increased growth rate following a period of undernutrition
• What are the components of carcass merit?


  • Quality
  • Select
  • Choice
  • Prime
  • Yield grade
  • Function
  • Bone
  • Lean
  • Volume
• What is Wagyu known for?


  Wagyu is known for its marbling
• How can too much marbling impact carcass merit negatively?


  It can affect the quality of the meat
• What are the considerations for defects and disposition in cattle breeding?

  • Freedom from genetic defects
  • Importance of culling
  • Disposition
  • Docility
• Why is conformation important in cattle?


  It affects the animal's ability to walk and overall health
• What does longevity refer to in cattle breeding?


  It refers to the ability of an animal to remain productive over time
• What are the options for heifer management?


  • Feeding to slaughter
  • Breeding replacements
  • Home raised (retain)
  • Purchase open
  • Purchase bred
• What are the advantages of feeding heifers to slaughter?


  It can improve quality grade
• What are the disadvantages of feeding heifers to slaughter?


  They may have a small carcass and bring in less money
• When should heifers be bred?


  In the spring
• What is the timeline for heifer management?


  • Spring born
  • Fall weaned
  • Breed spring/fall of next year
• What is the target breeding age for heifers?


  14-16 months
• What is the historic importance of breeding weight?


  It is typically 60-65% of mature weight
• What is the target weight for heifers at breeding?


  750 lbs