Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for the faster growth rates of bulls compared to steers?
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?
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?
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?
Which letter corresponds to the best quality in the EUROP grading system?
Why do bulls generally tend to be more violent compared to steers and heifers?
Why do bulls generally tend to be more violent compared to steers and heifers?
What factors are considered when grading carcass quality using the EUROP system?
What factors are considered when grading carcass quality using the EUROP system?
Which feature is typical of beef breeds compared to dairy breeds?
Which feature is typical of beef breeds compared to dairy breeds?
What is meant by 'conformation' in beef production?
What is meant by 'conformation' in beef production?
At what ages are beef cattle typically slaughtered based on breed and gender?
At what ages are beef cattle typically slaughtered based on breed and gender?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of beef breeds?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of beef breeds?
In terms of beef production, what distinguishes continental beef breeds from British beef breeds?
In terms of beef production, what distinguishes continental beef breeds from British beef breeds?
What is the minimum floor space required for weanlings?
What is the minimum floor space required for weanlings?
What is the average weight range for spring born suckler calves at birth?
What is the average weight range for spring born suckler calves at birth?
In terms of daily live weight gain (LWG), how does the autumn born suckler calf compare to the spring born suckler calf?
In terms of daily live weight gain (LWG), how does the autumn born suckler calf compare to the spring born suckler calf?
What is the feeding space requirement for fattening cattle?
What is the feeding space requirement for fattening cattle?
Which of the following represents one of the advantages of using a stock bull in breeding?
Which of the following represents one of the advantages of using a stock bull in breeding?
Which of the following could be a disadvantage of using artificial insemination (AI) in breeding?
Which of the following could be a disadvantage of using artificial insemination (AI) in breeding?
What does hybrid vigour typically refer to in breeding?
What does hybrid vigour typically refer to in breeding?
What is the recommended initial feeding of whole milk for a 45 kg calf per day?
What is the recommended initial feeding of whole milk for a 45 kg calf per day?
In a successful calf to beef system, which factor is essential for quality production?
In a successful calf to beef system, which factor is essential for quality production?
What should be the proportion of milk feeding for calves throughout the day?
What should be the proportion of milk feeding for calves throughout the day?
What is critical to introduce gradually to a purchased calf after its arrival to the farm?
What is critical to introduce gradually to a purchased calf after its arrival to the farm?
What should be the focus during the weaning of calves from milk?
What should be the focus during the weaning of calves from milk?
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.
