Cattle Classification and Beef Breeds

Cattle Classification

• An intact male is classified as a male.
• A castrated male is classified as a steer.
• A female that has had at least one calf is classified as a cow.
• A female that has not yet had a calf is classified as a heifer.
• A young male or female is classified as a calf.

Beef Breeds

• Belgian Blue is a Continental breed.
• Charolais is a Continental breed.
• Simmental is a Continental breed.
• Limousin is a Continental breed.
• Hereford is a British breed.
• Aberdeen Angus is a British breed.

Beef Production Systems

• There are two main systems: constant high nutrition feeding and store over winter.
• Animals are typically slaughtered between 12-30 months of age.
• Outlets for beef production include live exports and home/export markets.

Animal Growth & Development

• The store period is used for low-cost winter feeding.
• Compensatory growth advantage occurs after restricted feeding.

Carcass Quality

• The EUROP system is used to grade carcass quality, with grades ranging from E to P.
• Factors influencing carcass quality include length, shape, fat percentage, and meat content.

Beef Production in Ireland

• Ireland's beef production relies on dairy herds for beef animals.
• A significant amount of beef is exported to countries including the UK, Germany, Egypt, and Iran.

Calf Management

• Calf management involves tagging, registration, dehorning, and castration.
• Careful handling and weaning onto new diets are important for calf management.

Diseases in Cattle

• Examples of diseases in cattle include Blackleg, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, and BVD.
• Notifiable diseases must be reported to authorities.

Breeding and Genetics

• Hybrid vigor improves traits such as fertility and growth rates.
• Selection criteria for female breeding stock and bulls include factors such as fertility and growth rates.

Beef Production Year

• The beef production year includes calving management, summer essentials, winter housing, and autumn calving considerations.

Achieving High Conception Rate

• Planned breeding programs and nutritional management are important for achieving high conception rates.