Cattle Management and Economics

Questions and Answers

What does cow calf raising typically involve?

Only using private land for cattle

Intensive feeding and care

Animals being kept in small pens

Animals maintained in vast tracts of open land (correct)

What is a key limitation to extensive cattle raising?

Lack of water resources

Shortage of manpower

High costs of feed

Agrarian reform and peace and order issues (correct)

In which breeding system are replacement females produced within the herd?

Continuous breeding system (correct)

Terminal breeding system

Intensive breeding system

Extensive breeding system

What is the primary focus of breed selection in beef cattle production?

Matching performance levels to environmental and management conditions Signup and view all the answers

What are the two basic classifications of cattle breeds mentioned?

Bos taurus and Bos indicus Signup and view all the answers

Where did Bos indicus, or humped cattle, primarily arise?

South Central Asia Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of choosing a terminal breeding system?

Replacing cattle entirely from an external source Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider in the genetic strategy for cattle?

Color of the cattle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue highlighted regarding cattle management?

Inadequate technical support and veterinary services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge in cattle production?

Excessive urbanization Signup and view all the answers

Which region is identified as one of the top cattle producing areas in 2023?

Central Visayas Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a contributing factor to the backwardness of cattle production?

Inefficient breeding techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which of these regions is listed as the second top cattle producing area?

Calabarzon Signup and view all the answers

What percentage is suggested for semi-commercial management in smallholder farming?

2-3% Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental concern for cattle breeding mentioned?

Inadequate feed supply Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is associated with the reduction in cattle productivity?

Lack of technical support Signup and view all the answers

Which breed tends to gain weight faster in poor quality forage conditions?

Bos indicus Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is indicative of a healthy cattle?

Active disposition and moist muzzle Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of easy-fleshing cattle?

Tendency to over fatten in feedlots Signup and view all the answers

When is the best time to buy cattle stocks for cost-effectiveness?

Dry season (January-April) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cattle is likely to have low fleshing ability despite high muscle expression?

Heavily muscled types Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum percentage of rice straw that can be fed to growing-fattening cattle as part of their total ration?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is most critical for the synthesis of milk protein?

Energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the microbial proteins utilized in the lower gastrointestinal tract of cattle?

Non-Protein Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended addition level of urea in the total air-dry ration?

1% Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of limiting water intake in cattle?

Depressed animal performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of weighing cattle?

To assess genetic potential Signup and view all the answers

Which feeding system is characterized by high digestible energy and low fiber?

Roughage-Concentrate Feeding System Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal breeding weight for cattle?

250-300 kg Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that a heifer may not be suitable for the breeding herd?

Fails to conceive after multiple matings Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is NOT used for cattle identification?

Weight approximation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major disadvantages of dehorning cattle?

Requires special equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an acceptable nitrogen source for meeting protein requirements in cattle?

Non-Protein Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when introducing concentrates in cattle feeds?

Increase levels gradually Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis of selection for replacement breeders?

Physical characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is NOT a consideration for animal housing to ensure health and productivity?

Local climate control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is crucial for managing livestock movement?

Single passageway or races Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of fences in cattle operations?

To confine and separate animal groups Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of growth is protein the major nutrient required?

Growing stage Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended space per animal in smallholder cow-calf operations?

1.5 - 4.5 sqm Signup and view all the answers

What nutrient deficiency can result in sterility and low fertility in cattle?

Minerals Signup and view all the answers

What role does energy play during the finishing stage in cattle?

Promote fat deposition Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for proper growth measurements in cattle?

Weight and size at 2 years Signup and view all the answers

What minimum percentage of body weight is required for dry matter intake in market cattle?

2-3% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of feeds in ranch-type pastures?

Grasslands Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended Calcium to Phosphorus ratio to avoid urinary calculi?

2:1 or greater Signup and view all the answers

At which age are weaning weights typically taken for cattle?

8 months Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to provide shelter to animals during fattening operations?

Wooden sheds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cattle Production Overview

Cattle population estimated at 59 million heads in the Philippines, indicating a significant agricultural sector.
Major challenges in cattle production include localized peace and order issues and unfavorable government policies.

Top Cattle Producing Regions (2023)

Central Visayas
Calabarzon
Ilocos Region
Western Visayas
Northern Mindanao

Types of Cattle Raising

Cow Calf Raising: Involves extensive ranching, typically on leased public lands, constrained by agrarian reform.
Integrated Farming: Combines cattle farming with agricultural crops, using small vacant lots.

Selection and Breeding

Importance of breed selection based on performance compatibility with environmental conditions and market needs.
Breeding methods include continuous (internal replacements) and terminal (external replacements).
Genetic types:
- Bos taurus (European cattle)
- Bos indicus (Zebu or humped cattle)

Health and Production Factors

Health indicators involve alertness, coat condition, and moisture levels in the muzzle.
Encouragement to buy stock during the dry season (January-April) for cost advantages and ease of transport.
Focus on inherent muscularity and dressing percentage affecting actual meat yield.

Housing Considerations

Animal Housing: Critical for health; includes factors like food access, ventilation, and space.
Cow Calf Operations: Typically utilize simple sheds made from local materials, with a designated space of 1.5 to 4.5 sqm per animal.
Fattening Operations: Individual stalls sized 1.5m x 4m to enhance management and productivity.

Nutrition Essentials

Market cattle require 2-3% of body weight as dry matter intake for optimal health.
Nutritional requirements include:
- Crude Protein (CP): 9-14%
- Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN): 65-85%
- Calcium and Phosphorus ratios necessary for health.

Reproductive Health

Nutrient deficiencies prior to breeding can impair fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Nutritional needs increase during late pregnancy, specifically for protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Properly designed facilities reduce stress during handling, with emphasis on good construction and placement for efficient operation.
Fencing used for confinement and management of grazing to prevent overgrazing and protect against hazards.

Feeding and Growth Phases

Growing phase emphasizes protein for rapid muscle and bone increase; energy needed for protein synthesis.
Finishing phase focuses on fat deposition, with compensatory growth observed after energy restriction phases.### Nutritional Importance in Cattle Management
Adequate nutrition is crucial for reproductive tract health and overall cow longevity.
Nutrient intake correlates directly with the amount of milk produced; higher yields necessitate greater nutrient proportions.

Common Farm By-Products

Rice Straw:
- Suitable for growing-fattening cattle, can constitute up to 40% of the total diet.
- Ensure proper storage to protect against weather conditions.
- Contains 3-4% protein, 0.04%-0.08% phosphorus, and 0.20%-0.30% calcium.
Corn Cobs:
- Can be fed coarsely ground, making up to 45% of the total ration.
- Comprises 45% total digestible nutrients and 3% crude protein.
- Higher in crude fiber and more digestible compared to rice straw.
Silage:
- Excess herbage can be preserved during rainy months for use in dry months.
- Must utilize improved grasses or grass-legume combinations.

Urea and Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN)

Allows cattle to leverage dietary NPN to fulfill part of their protein needs.
NPN is converted into microbial proteins usable in the gastrointestinal tract.
Urea:
- Contains 45% nitrogen; crude protein equivalent calculated as %N x 6.25%.
- 1 kg of urea yields 2.81 kg of crude protein.

Feeding Systems

All Roughage Feeding System:
- Typical for extensive cattle production.
- Requires 1 hectare of pasture per animal unit per year.
- Supplement with silage, hay, or residues during summer months.
Roughage-Concentrate Feeding System:
- Concentrates provide high digestible energy, low fiber, and may vary in protein content.
- Sources include grains, oil meals, root crops, and grain by-products.
- Gradual introduction of concentrates is necessary to avoid rumen acidosis.

Water Management

Essential for regulating temperature, growth, reproduction, lactation, and digestion.
Limited water intake can significantly affect animal performance, leading to rapid declines in health.
Cattle should consume 0.5% - 1% of body weight in water daily.

Growth and Culling Practices

Maintain records to track genetically superior cattle for breeding.
Culling criteria include poor milk production, weak health, and failure to conceive.
Culling should occur every 1.5 - 2 years to maintain herd quality.

Cattle Identification and Management

Identification aids in management and ownership recognition.
Methods include branding, ear tags, and ear notching.
Dehorning reduces space needs and potential injury risks, achieved through methods like caustic soda or dehorning irons.

Breeding and Reproduction

Target breeding age is ideally between 18-20 months, with actual breeding occurring at around 24 months.
Target breeding weight should be 250-300 kg, equating to 60% of mature body weight.
Mating systems include natural methods (hand and pasture mating) and artificial insemination, necessitating good estrus detection.

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Explore the dynamics of cattle management focusing on smallholdings and semi-commercial practices. This quiz touches on the impact of cattle numbers and management strategies on economic viability. Test your knowledge on effective cattle management concepts and their practical applications.