Beef Cattle Chapter 11

Questions and Answers

What is the primary breed of cattle originally run on Alexandria Station?

Shorthorn (correct)

Brahman

Angus

Hereford

What is the area covered by Alexandria Station?

1.6 million hectares (correct)

800,000 hectares

2 million hectares

1.2 million hectares

Why were Brahman cattle introduced to Alexandria Station?

To enhance meat quality

To change the breeding program

To increase the number of cattle

To reduce calf losses and tick impact (correct)

Which of the following best describes the Alexandria composite cattle?

Crossbreed of Shorthorns and Brahmans Signup and view all the answers

What type of beef is produced from Alexandria composite cattle?

Chilled beef Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles performed by the staff at Alexandria Station?

Catering Signup and view all the answers

How many head of cattle does Alexandria Station run?

70,000 Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Shorthorns contributed to their struggles in the northern conditions?

High calf losses Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct formula to calculate gross margins for livestock?

Total income - Variable costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would help evaluate the profitability of improved pasture systems?

Gross margin per cow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT a variable cost typically incurred in livestock production?

Land rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'EHL' in livestock management?

Electrolyte Hydration Loss Signup and view all the answers

What element is crucial in determining the best pasture system for a seedstock stud on irrigated land?

Soil type and water availability Signup and view all the answers

Which region is typically more suited for extensive beef production?

Northern Australian grass-fed cattle stations Signup and view all the answers

How can flight zone and point of balance enhance cattle movement?

By facilitating safe handling and movement of cattle Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of using hormone growth promotant implants in feedlot finishing steers?

Faster weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the calendar of operations for livestock management?

Marketing livestock prices Signup and view all the answers

Why are NLIS tags important in combating stock theft?

They provide location data of stolen cattle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of operation would benefit most from hormone growth promotant implants?

Southern grass-fed operation exporting to Korea Signup and view all the answers

What element is NOT typically included in the design of cattle yards?

Vendor pen Signup and view all the answers

What is a common approach to investigating cattle theft incidents?

Searching for news online Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit does NLIS data collection provide?

Enhanced traceability of livestock Signup and view all the answers

What would be the focus of a calendar of operations for a cattle herd?

Seasonal breeding and management practices Signup and view all the answers

How is the dry matter yield per hectare calculated?

DM (kg/ha) = Weight of dry sample (kg) x 10000 Signup and view all the answers

What type of calculator is advised to determine the stocking rate?

MLA Stocking Rate calculator Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing trait of Brahman cattle?

Intelligent but shy with a medium size and hump Signup and view all the answers

Which breed of cattle originates from Pakistan?

Sahiwal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of Sahiwal cattle?

Heat and drought tolerant with excellent milk production Signup and view all the answers

The Brangus breed of cattle is a cross between which two breeds?

Brahman and Angus Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT associated with Brahman cattle?

Excellent meat quality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cattle breeds is known for being drought tolerant?

Sahiwal Signup and view all the answers

Santa Gertrudis cattle are primarily originated from which country?

USA Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is characteristic of the Angus breed?

Medium size with a high IMF content Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bos Indicus Cattle Breeds

Brahman cattle: Originating from India, these medium-sized animals feature a prominent hump and are known for their intelligence but shy nature.
Sahiwal cattle: Developed in Pakistan, this breed is resilient to heat and drought, and is recognized for its strong milk production capabilities.

Bos Indicus x Bos Taurus Cattle Breeds

Brangus: A crossbreed originating in the USA, combining Brahman and Angus genetics.
Santa Gertrudis: Another hybrid beef breed known for its adaptability and strong performance in various climates.

Alexandria Station

Located on Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory, it is Australia's second-largest farm, spanning over 1.6 million hectares with approximately 70,000 cattle.
Owned by the Northern Australian Pastoral Company, originally utilized Shorthorn cattle which faced high calf losses and tick infestations due to unsuitable climatic conditions.
Introduced Brahman cattle improved resilience, leading to the development of Alexandria composite cattle through crossbreeding.
The station caters to both domestic and export beef markets, emphasizing chilled beef production.
Employs over 50 staff with diverse roles including stock handling, aviation, and water supply monitoring.

Risk Assessment and Production Systems

Emphasizes safe handling when using tools like secateurs.
Collecting multiple random samples rather than one enhances data reliability.
The dry matter yield calculation informs pasture productivity assessments.

Financial Analysis

Gross margin calculations are essential for assessing profitability, considering variables such as income and costs for different categories of livestock.
Comparison of native versus improved pasture systems helps determine optimal practices for cattle production.

Review and Operational Insights

Understanding distribution patterns of northern and southern beef production areas is crucial for supply chain management.
Effective management practices in feedlots can reduce the risk of conditions like EHL.
Knowledge of cattle movement, including flight zones and balance points, is vital for safe livestock handling.

Additional Considerations

Identify fixed versus variable costs to enhance financial decision-making.
Explore the implications of NLIS tags for livestock management and theft prevention.
Engaging in practical projects, such as model building or visits to farms, can provide hands-on understanding of cattle management practices.

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Description

Dive into the details of chapter 11 focusing on Bos Indicus cattle breeds, including Brahman and Sahiwal. This quiz will test your knowledge of the characteristics and significance of these breeds in beef cattle production.