Beef MCQ's

Questions and Answers

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

Bulls have more efficient feeding habits.

Steers produce testosterone which accelerates muscle growth.

Bulls have an innate genetic advantage.

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

What does the grading system in carcass quality primarily assess?

The animal's age and breed.

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

Fat content and animal's feeding history.

Overall health status of the animal pre-slaughter.

Which target weight at slaughter is assigned to a heifer?

750kg

550kg

450kg (correct)

600kg

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

In terms of beef production, what distinguishes continental beef breeds from British beef breeds?

Continental breeds are typically larger in size Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum floor space required for weanlings?

1.4 m^2^ 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

In terms of daily live weight gain (LWG), how does the autumn born suckler calf compare to the spring born suckler calf?

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

What is the feeding space requirement for fattening cattle?

0.4 m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents one of the advantages of using a stock bull in breeding?

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

Which of the following could be a disadvantage of using artificial insemination (AI) in breeding?

Reliance on skilled technicians Signup and view all the answers

What does hybrid vigour typically refer to in breeding?

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

What is the recommended initial feeding 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 factor is essential for quality production?

Careful handling and gradual weaning Signup and view all the answers

What should be the proportion of milk feeding for calves throughout the day?

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

What is critical to introduce 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 of calves from milk?

Gradual introduction to solid food Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Beef Breeds

Beef breeds classify into Continental and British categories.
Notable Continental breeds: Charolais, Limousin, Simmental, Blonde d'Aquitaine.
Prominent British breeds: Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Shorthorn, Sussex.
Each breed possesses unique characteristics affecting growth, meat quality, and hardiness.

Beef in Ireland

Beef production in Ireland heavily relies on dairy cattle.
Suckler herds contribute significantly, accounting for 25-30% of total production.
Friesen calves are particularly suited for the continental veal market.

Beef Cattle Characteristics

Dairy breeds possess narrow shoulders and hindquarters; beef breeds are wider and meaty.
Beef cattle have shorter, broader heads and level, fleshed backs.
Limb structure differs: dairy with strong yet sleek legs; beef with wide and deep legs.

Conformation

Conformation refers to the physical shape and muscle distribution in cattle.
Well-conformed animals lead to higher meat quality.

Beef Production Systems

Cattle are typically slaughtered at 12 to 30 months based on breed and gender.
Production systems vary in their growth management strategies.

Animal Growth & Development

Bulls display the fastest growth rates but may exhibit aggressive behavior.
Steers, being castrated males, have more regulated growth due to lack of testosterone.

Grading Carcase Quality

EUROP grading system evaluates carcass length, hindquarter shape, fat percentage, and meat content.
Each carcass is rated from E (best) to P (worst) based on quality metrics.
Target weights at slaughter are 750kg for bulls, 550kg for steers, and 450kg for heifers.

Beef Production Systems in Ireland

Irish beef production is mostly from dairy herds.
Fattening space requirements per animal: 1.4 m² for weanlings and 2.0 m² for fattening cattle.

The Beef Production Year

Spring calving leads to different management practices compared to autumn calving.
Key management activities include feeding, health monitoring, and housing adjustments throughout the year.

Two Year Calf to Beef System

Spring-born sucklers have a birth weight of 40-50kg, with a daily live weight gain (DLWG) of 0.8-1kg.
Autumn-born sucklers weigh about 45kg at birth, with a DLWG of 1-1.2kg.

Calf Management

Proper handling and gradual weaning are crucial when purchasing calves from dairy herds.
Feeding colostrum and ensuring access to clean water and nutritious feed after weaning is essential.

Diseases in Cattle

Cattle diseases can be viral, leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and other severe symptoms.
Vaccination is a key preventive measure against infectious diseases.
Notifiable diseases must be reported to agriculture authorities.

Biosecurity Measures

Implement robust measures to prevent disease transmission within herds.

Selection of Female Breeding Stock

Key factors in selecting breeding females include genetic stability, health history, and performance records.

Hybrid Vigour

Hybrids exhibit enhanced traits such as growth rate and fertility compared to purebred counterparts.

Breeding Systems

Options include stock bulls and artificial insemination (AI), each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Achieving high conception rates is influenced by careful selection and management practices.

Breeding Programmes

Effective breeding programs are designed to enhance genetic progress and overall herd health.

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Description

Explore the essential aspects of beef production, including the common beef breeds and their characteristics. This quiz includes insights into beef production practices specifically in Ireland. Test your knowledge and understanding of this vital topic in animal agriculture.