Livestock Management Quiz - Calf Nutrition & Breeds

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Questions and Answers

At what age does 75% of a calf's nutrient requirement come from feeds other than milk?

Six and a half months (correct)

Three months

One year

Eight months

What is the primary benefit of culling empty cows before weaning?

To improve the overall herd size

To decrease competition for grazing

To allow them to gain weight during late lactation (correct)

To reduce feed costs significantly

Which practice can improve the efficiency of suckled calf production?

Allowing grasses to flower

Feeding calves exclusively with milk

Reducing the number of grazing cows

Managing grazing density in spring and autumn (correct)

What percentage of total feed intake do autumn-calving cows receive from grazed grass?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a measure to maintain animal health and welfare?

Restricting space for movement Signup and view all the answers

Which breed of cattle is known for its high milk production and originates from the Netherlands and Germany?

Holstein-Friesian Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main goals of farmers in the current livestock industry?

Meet rising demand while minimizing negative impacts Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned as a tool used in animal breeding?

Traditional breeding methods Signup and view all the answers

What does the sustainability of livestock farming reflect according to the text?

Economic, social and environmental impacts Signup and view all the answers

Which livestock breed mentioned is originally from France and known for being larger with more meat production compared to native breeds?

Charolais beef cattle Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of colostrum that a calf should consume within two hours after birth?

Three liters Signup and view all the answers

What plays a critical role in the quality of colostrum produced by a cow?

The cow's body condition at calving Signup and view all the answers

Why should empty cows be sold rather than served again?

They encourage less fertile females in the herd Signup and view all the answers

What is creep feeding primarily intended for?

To provide supplemental feed to nursing calves Signup and view all the answers

When should the decision to wean calves be primarily made?

Considering feed supply and cow condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim regarding calf production in suckler cows?

To ensure the cow produces a calf every 12 months Signup and view all the answers

What is one key aspect of managing the body condition of suckler cows?

Managing weight to prevent difficulties during calving Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of a calving interval exceeding 365 days?

It leads to an estimated cost of £1 per day Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of crossbred cows in a commercial suckler herd?

Utilization of hybrid vigour and breed differences Signup and view all the answers

When should pregnancy scanning be carried out to effectively manage calving dates?

At about three months of pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NPA - Rural Skills Level 5 Livestock Unit

This unit covers basic livestock production knowledge and skills in the UK.
It covers basic production practices and husbandry skills for one type of livestock or a group of livestock.
It also covers the use of equipment and machinery in livestock production.
Knowledge of livestock production systems and practices is the focus.
It is suitable for candidates with no previous knowledge of agriculture.

Outcomes

Outcome 1: Demonstrates knowledge of main livestock production systems in the UK.
- Describes ruminant, pig, and poultry production systems.
- Identifies uses of livestock products.
Outcome 2: Describes basic livestock husbandry practices over a production cycle.
- Describes appropriate feeding practices for a specific type of livestock.
- Describes appropriate breeding practices for a specific type of livestock.
- Describes measures for maintaining animal health and welfare for a specific type of livestock.
Outcome 3: Identifies and describes equipment and machines used in livestock production.
- Identifies and describes feeding equipment and machinery.
- Describes livestock handling equipment and machinery.
- Identifies livestock waste disposal equipment.
- Identifies beef production equipment.
Outcome 4: Carries out practical livestock husbandry skills.
- Identifies and assesses the quality of common feeds.
- Restrains and handles livestock effectively.
- Examines an animal for signs of health issues or disease.
- Measures body temperature of an animal.
- Demonstrates safe working practices.

Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1a: Understanding Ruminant Production Systems
- Ruminants have four-chamber stomachs (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum).
- They digest fibrous plants.
- Cattle digestion involves repeatedly regurgitating and re-chewing their food.
- Ruminant production systems rely on grazing and foraging.
- Ruminants are efficient at converting roughage into energy.
Outcome 1b: Pig and Poultry Production Systems
- Pigs are typically housed in sheds with separate areas for movement, feeding, and rest.
- Poultry are kept in units providing ample space for movement, food, and water.
Outcome 1c: Understanding Livestock Products in Scotland
- Livestock products include milk, meat, wool, and eggs.
- They are key components of the Scottish and UK economy.
- They are produced in different sectors in the UK.
Outcome 2a: Understanding Appropriate Feeding Practices for Beef Cattle.
- Appropriate feeding includes roughage (grass, hay, silage), concentrates (grains), and protein (soybean meal).
Outcome 2b: Breeding Practices for Livestock.
- Selective breeding involves choosing superior animals for reproduction.
- Crossbreeding combines traits from different breeds.
- Bulls undergo physical examinations and semen tests before breeding for an estimation of breeding soundness.
Outcome 2c: Maintaining Animal Health and Welfare for Livestock
- Essential aspects include nutritious food, clean water, shelter, regular exercise and space, and veterinary care.
- Proper management for animal health and welfare.
Outcome 3a: Understanding Feeding Equipment and Machinery in Livestock Production
- Feeding equipment is important to maximize efficiency and minimize labor.
- Examples: feeding troughs, silage wagons, mixer wagons.
Outcome 3b: Livestock Handling Equipment
- Equipment for safely handling livestock is crucial for tasks like vaccinations.
- Examples: cattle crushes and sheep handling races.
Outcome 3c: Identifying Equipment for Livestock Waste Disposal
- Equipment for managing and safely disposing of livestock waste includes manure spreaders, slurry tankers, and composters.
Outcome 4c: Sheep Health
- Sheep hoof descriptions and identification of parts
- Sheep diseases are common; symptoms and treatment methods discussed

Farming Facts

80% of Scotland's land is used for agricultural production.
Scottish agriculture generates £2.9 billion annually.
Export target for Scotland's food and drink for 2017 was £7.1 billion.

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Description

Test your knowledge on livestock management, focusing on calf nutrition, breeding practices, and animal health. This quiz covers various essential topics that every farmer should understand to optimize livestock production and sustainability. Challenge yourself and see how well you know the industry.