Beef MCQ Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the faster growth rates of bulls compared to steers?

Bulls have an innate genetic advantage.

Steers do not produce testosterone, which inhibits their growth. (correct)

Bulls have more efficient feeding habits.

Steers produce testosterone which accelerates muscle growth.

What does the grading system in carcass quality primarily assess?

Overall health status of the animal pre-slaughter.

The animal's age and breed.

Fat content and animal's feeding history.

Length of carcass and shape of hind quarters. (correct)

Which target weight at slaughter is assigned to a heifer?

600kg

550kg

750kg

450kg (correct)

Which letter corresponds to the best quality in the EUROP grading system?

E Signup and view all the answers

Why do bulls generally tend to be more violent compared to steers and heifers?

Higher levels of testosterone influence aggressive behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What factors are considered when grading carcass quality using the EUROP system?

Percentage of fat and meat content. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is typical of beef breeds compared to dairy breeds?

Short and wide head Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'conformation' in beef production?

The shape of the animal and muscle distribution Signup and view all the answers

At what ages are beef cattle typically slaughtered based on breed and gender?

12-30 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of beef breeds?

Thin back Signup and view all the answers

What is the average weight range for spring born suckler calves at birth?

40-50 kg Signup and view all the answers

What is the daily live weight gain (LWG) difference between autumn born and spring born suckler calves?

Autumn born gains more at 1-1.2 kg/day. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended feeding space requirement for fattening cattle?

0.4 m Signup and view all the answers

Which advantage is associated with using a stock bull instead of artificial insemination in breeding?

Cost-effectiveness compared to artificial insemination Signup and view all the answers

Which disadvantage can arise from using artificial insemination in breeding?

Reliance on skilled technicians Signup and view all the answers

What does hybrid vigour in breeding generally refer to?

The superiority of offspring from heterozygous parents Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended initial feeding amount of whole milk for a 45 kg calf per day?

4.5 litres per day Signup and view all the answers

In a successful calf to beef system, which aspect is crucial for quality production?

Careful handling and gradual weaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal way to distribute milk feed for calves throughout the day?

Half in the morning and half in the evening Signup and view all the answers

What should be introduced gradually to a purchased calf after its arrival to the farm?

New diet of milk Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus during the weaning process of calves from milk?

Gradual introduction to solid food Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Growth Rates in Beef Cattle

Bulls grow faster than steers primarily due to steers not producing testosterone, which inhibits their growth.
Steers exhibit reduced growth rates compared to bulls because of the absence of testosterone.

Carcass Quality Grading

The grading system assesses carcass quality based on the shape of the hind quarters and overall fat content.
The EUROP grading system uses letters, with 'E' representing the best quality.
Factors like percentage of fat and meat content are considered when grading carcass quality.

Target Weights and Characteristics

Heifers are typically assigned a target slaughter weight of 450 kg.
Beef breeds usually have short and wide heads, contrasting with dairy breeds that tend to have long and narrow heads.
The conformation of beef cattle refers to their shape and muscle distribution.

Slaughter Ages and Breed Differences

Beef cattle are generally slaughtered at ages ranging from 12 to 30 months.
Continental beef breeds are typically larger than British beef breeds.

Space and Weight Requirements

The minimum floor space required for weanlings is 1.4 m².
Spring-born suckler calves typically weigh between 40-50 kg at birth.

Daily Weight Gain

Autumn-born suckler calves gain more daily live weight compared to spring-born, averaging 1-1.2 kg per day.

Feeding and Breeding Practices

Fattening cattle require 0.4 m of feeding space.
Using a stock bull for breeding is cost-effective compared to artificial insemination.
A disadvantage of artificial insemination includes reliance on skilled technicians.

Hybrid Vigour

Hybrid vigour refers to the enhanced performance of offspring from heterozygous parents, leading to superior traits.

Calf Feeding Guidelines

A 45 kg calf should initially be fed 4.5 liters of whole milk per day.
Calves should receive milk in two meals, split between morning and evening to ensure consistent intake.

Weaning Practices

Gradual introduction to solid food is essential during the weaning process, while immediate pasture grazing should be avoided.
Careful handling and gradual weaning are critical for quality production in a calf-to-beef system.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the growth rates, carcass quality grading, and slaughter characteristics of beef cattle. This quiz covers essential factors influencing beef production, including the differences between bulls and steers, grading systems, and target weights. Ideal for those studying animal husbandry or agricultural science.