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Questions and Answers
What percentage of beef production in Ireland is represented by suckler herd animals?
What is the typical daily live weight gain for Spring Born Suckler calves?
What is the minimum floor space required for weanlings in beef production?
How does castration influence growth rates in beef production?
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What weight do Autumn Born Suckler calves typically have at birth?
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What is hybrid vigour in the context of breeding?
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What is one key factor to achieve a high conception rate in breeding?
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What is the target weight at slaughter for a bull?
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What factors determine the carcass quality grading under the EUROP system?
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Why are biosecurity measures essential in livestock farming?
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What is the difference in growth rates between bulls and steers?
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What is the role of length and shape in determining carcass quality grading?
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Why is it important to report a notifiable disease in livestock?
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What impact does the absence of testosterone have on steer growth?
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What feeding practice should be adopted when introducing whole or powdered milk to calves?
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How does optimal timing of insemination influence breeding success?
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What benefit does feeding colostrum provide to calves?
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Explain the significance of selecting a stock bull based on genetic traits.
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What is the typical target weight at slaughter for a heifer?
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What type of calves are recommended for veal production in the continental market?
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Study Notes
Beef Production Overview
- Suckler herd animals account for 25-30% of beef production in Ireland.
- Daily live weight gain (LWG) for Spring Born Suckler calves ranges from 0.8 to 1 kg/day.
Weanling Requirements
- Each weanling requires a floor space of 1.4 m² in beef production.
Growth Rates
- Bulls grow faster than steers due to higher testosterone levels; steers have slower growth rates.
Calf Birth Weight
- Autumn Born Suckler calves typically have a birth weight of around 45 kg.
Carcass Quality Grading
- The EUROP system grades carcass quality from E (the best) to P (the worst) based on various factors.
Calves for Veal Production
- Friesen calves are suitable for the continental market, especially for veal production.
Target Slaughter Weights
- The target slaughter weight for heifers is 450 kg.
- Bulls are targeted for slaughter at a weight of 750 kg.
Carcass Quality Determinants
- Carcass quality grading is influenced by length, shape, percentage fat, and meat content.
Impact of Castration
- Castration stops testosterone production, which promotes growth in steers.
Notifiable Diseases
- Notifiable diseases must be reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Hybrid Vigour
- Hybrid vigour refers to beneficial biological traits in offspring arising from genetically diverse parents.
Stock Bull Selection
- Two advantages of selecting a stock bull include proven fertility and known genetic traits.
Conception Rates
- Optimal timing of insemination is crucial for achieving a high conception rate in breeding.
Biosecurity Measures
- Biosecurity in livestock farming is essential to prevent disease introduction and spread.
Calf Feeding Recommendations
- When introducing whole or powdered milk, do so gradually over 3-4 days, providing about 10% of the calf's body weight per day.
Calf Handling Practices
- Healthy calves should be handled gently upon arrival to the farm to minimize stress and promote well-being.
Importance of Colostrum
- Feeding colostrum to calves is critical as it delivers essential antibodies and nutrients necessary for their immune systems and overall health.
Beef Production in Ireland
- Suckler herd animals contribute 25-30% of beef production.
- Daily live weight gain (LWG) for Spring Born Suckler calves is 0.8-1kg per day.
- Weanlings require a minimum of 1.4 m² of floor space in beef production settings.
Growth Rates and Calf Weights
- Bulls exhibit faster growth rates than steers due to higher testosterone levels.
- Autumn Born Suckler calves typically weigh around 45kg at birth.
Carcass Quality Grading
- The EUROP system grades carcass quality from E (excellent) to P (poor) based on length, shape, % fat, and meat content.
Market Suitability and Target Weights
- Friesen calves are particularly suitable for the continental market and veal production.
- Target weight at slaughter for a heifer is 450kg, while for a bull, it is 750kg.
Breeding and Hybrid Vigour
- Hybrid vigour refers to enhanced biological traits in offspring from genetically diverse parents.
- Choosing a stock bull for breeding has advantages such as proven fertility and known genetic traits.
- Optimal timing of insemination is crucial for achieving a high conception rate in breeding.
Biosecurity and Disease Management
- Biosecurity measures are vital to prevent disease introduction and spread in livestock farming.
- Notifiable diseases must be reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Calf Feeding and Handling
- Calves should be introduced to whole or powdered milk gradually over 3-4 days, with feeding amounting to about 10% of their body weight daily.
- Healthy calves should be handled with care upon arrival at the farm to minimize stress.
- Feeding colostrum to calves is essential for providing antibodies and nutrients critical for immune system support and overall health.
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Description
Test your knowledge on beef production practices and statistics related to suckler herds in Ireland. This quiz covers topics such as live weight gain, space requirements, and growth rate differences between bulls and steers.
