Dairy Farming: Rearing Calves

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of beef production is accounted for by suckler herd animals in Ireland?

25-30%

What is the daily live weight gain (LWG) for Spring Born Suckler calves?

0.8-1kg/day

What is the floor space required for weanlings in beef production?

1.4 m²

What is a key difference in growth rates between bulls and steers?

Bulls have faster growth rates, while steers grow more slowly due to the absence of testosterone. Signup and view all the answers

What weight do Autumn Born Suckler calves typically have at birth?

45kg Signup and view all the answers

How does the EUROP system grade carcass quality?

The EUROP system grades carcass quality from E (best) to P (worst) based on several factors. Signup and view all the answers

What type of calves are suitable for the continental market, particularly for veal production?

Friesen calves Signup and view all the answers

What is the target weight at slaughter for a heifer?

The target weight at slaughter for a heifer is 450kg. Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine carcass quality grading?

Carcass quality grading is determined by length, shape, % fat, and meat content. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does castration have on beef production?

Castration inhibits testosterone production, thus promoting growth in steers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the target weight at slaughter for a bull?

The target weight at slaughter for a bull is 750kg. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant aspect of a notifiable disease?

It must be reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. Signup and view all the answers

Define hybrid vigour in the context of breeding.

Hybrid vigour refers to the improved biological qualities seen in offspring from genetically diverse parents. Signup and view all the answers

List two advantages of selecting a stock bull for breeding.

Proven fertility and known genetic traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key factors for achieving a high conception rate in breeding?

Optimal timing of insemination. Signup and view all the answers

Why are biosecurity measures essential in livestock farming?

They help to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended feeding method for calves when introducing whole milk or powdered milk?

Introduce the milk gradually over 3-4 days and feed about 10% of the calf's body weight per day. Signup and view all the answers

How should healthy calves be handled upon arrival to the farm?

They must be handled very carefully to reduce stress and ensure their well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of feeding colostrum to calves?

Colostrum provides essential antibodies and nutrients for the calf's immune system and overall health. Signup and view all the answers

How should calves be weaned onto a new diet after purchasing them?

Calves should be gently transitioned to their new diet, avoiding abrupt changes. Signup and view all the answers

What factors must be taken into account to produce a quality calf in a beef system?

Several factors, including health management, nutrition, and genetics, must be considered. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary physical characteristics that differentiate beef breeds from dairy breeds?

Beef breeds typically have wider shoulders and hindquarters, a short and wide head, and a well-fleshed back, whereas dairy breeds have narrow shoulders and hindquarters, a long and narrow head, and a thin back. Signup and view all the answers

List two categories of beef breeds and provide one example for each.

The two categories are Continental Beef Breeds and British Beef Breeds; an example of a Continental breed is Charolais, and an example of a British breed is Angus. Signup and view all the answers

Define conformation in the context of beef cattle.

Conformation refers to the shape of the animal and specifically the distribution of muscle in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main beef production systems?

The two main beef production systems include cow-calf operations and feedlot finishing. 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

Test your knowledge on the best practices for buying and rearing calves from the dairy herd. This quiz covers the important aspects of calf health, feeding colostrum, and management upon arrival at the farm. Enhance your understanding of calf care to ensure a successful dairy operation.