Sheep Breeds and Production

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of washing the teats before milking?

To increase the cow's milk production

To prepare the cow for grazing

To ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the milk (correct)

To stimulate the cow's appetite

Which condition causes the greatest economic loss in the dairy industry?

Mastitis (correct)

Ketosis

Prolapsed uterus

Displaced abomasum

How often do cows typically get milked in a day?

Once or twice

4-5 times

Only when necessary

2-3 times (correct)

What is the initial step in the milking process?

Washing the teats and wearing gloves Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is typically given for a case of milk fever?

Infusion of calcium salts Signup and view all the answers

In what type of barn are cows tied to individual stalls during milking?

Tie stall barns Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of retained placenta in cows?

Heat stress and low vitamin E Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do calf hutches offer after weaning?

Improved ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the decrease in egg production in the U.S. in 2022?

Reduction in the number of commercial laying hens Signup and view all the answers

Which process occurs immediately after birds are unloaded from transport?

Stunning Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of the crumbles given to birds aged 0-18 days?

1.5-3mm Signup and view all the answers

What part of a hen is responsible for the formation of yolk material?

Ovary Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient's increased presence has contributed to higher productivity in hens?

Protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected percentage of hens in cage-free production by 2026 to meet projected demand?

66% Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for an egg to form and be laid?

23-27 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the average number of eggs a laying hen produces in a year?

300 Signup and view all the answers

What determines the color of an eggshell?

The hen's genetics Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the egg is responsible for keeping the yolk centered?

Chalaza Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cuticle on an eggshell?

Seals the shell to prevent loss of moisture Signup and view all the answers

What condition can occur due to frequent egg laying in hens?

Cage layer fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which type of albumen is denser and located closest to the yolk?

Thick albumen Signup and view all the answers

Why does the air cell in an egg increase in size over time?

Due to moisture loss in older eggs Signup and view all the answers

What pigment is responsible for the darker color of egg yolks when hens are fed certain diets?

Xanthophyll Signup and view all the answers

What physical structure forms at the large end of the egg and provides air for the developing chick?

Air cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines wool classification?

Yield Signup and view all the answers

Which breed of dairy cattle is known for its high milk production and predominates the U.S. dairy industry?

Holstein Signup and view all the answers

How much milk does an average cow produce daily?

6.3 gallons Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important determinant of dairy cow selection?

Udder structure (40%) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average annual rate of milk production increase per cow from 2013?

10.4% Signup and view all the answers

Which dairy breed is known for its ability to efficiently convert fat to milk?

Jersey Signup and view all the answers

What does the packaging of wool typically contain?

500 lbs Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is characterized by misshaped proteins altering the function of other proteins?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Which breed of dairy cattle is characterized by lower body maintenance needs?

Jersey Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned?

97% Signup and view all the answers

What defines a companion animal in contrast to other types of pets?

Their relationship with their caretaker is the most important aspect. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common reason for the domestication of animals?

To serve as pets. Signup and view all the answers

Which breeds of dogs are considered part of the 'non-sporting' classification?

Breeds that primarily serve as companions. Signup and view all the answers

What societal trend regarding pets has been observed in recent years?

Increased spending on expensive pet foods. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of American households own pets according to recent statistics?

66% Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of the increasing humanization of pets?

Increased spending on vet care. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a health issue commonly found in pets due to modern living conditions?

Increased risk of diabetes. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of animal reflects hobby animals?

Animals displayed by their caretakers in organized competition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a cow-calf operation?

To maintain a breeding herd of cows that give birth to calves Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of heifers?

They are typically less than 2 years old and not pregnant Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended practice regarding milking cows during their dry period?

They should be allowed to rest for 60 days Signup and view all the answers

What is colostrum and why is it important for calves?

It provides essential nutrients and antibodies necessary for immunity. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the parlor milking system?

Cows enter a facility where milking occurs simultaneously for all. Signup and view all the answers

Which cattle breed is typically associated with hotter climates?

Brahman Signup and view all the answers

What nutritional needs do lactating dairy cows have?

High-quality food to sustain milk production for about 10 months. Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to calves after they are weaned?

About one-third of female calves remain on the farm for future breeding. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about British cattle breeds?

They have higher milk yields compared to others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of robotic milking systems?

They allow 24-hour access for cows via sensors. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a young cow?

Calf Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of seedstock operations?

Producing purebred animals for genetic improvements Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes continental cattle breeds from others?

They are heavier muscled and larger in size. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of beef in the US comes from non-fed cattle?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Production Sheep

Merino sheep are the most dominant breed in the global industry.
Merino sheep have very fine fleeces.
They are hardy, long-lived, and typically smaller and slower growing than other breeds.
Rambouillet sheep are larger and faster-growing than Merino sheep.
They are dominant in the western U.S. and Texas.
Rambouillet sheep were developed by King Louis XVI.
Columbia sheep are a crossbreed between Lincoln rams and Rambouillet rams.
They are the largest of the crossbred breeds.
Columbia sheep have coarser wool than Rambouillets.
Hampshire sheep are bred for rapid growth and muscle development.
They are one of the most popular sire breeds in commercial sheep production.
Southdown sheep are among the oldest breeds.
They produce meaty, lightweight carcasses and have low maintenance needs.
Suffolk sheep are an old breed used extensively as sire breeds in commercial production.
They grow quickly and produce lean, muscular carcasses.

Goat Breeds

Angora goats produce mohair, one of the world's finest and most valuable types of hair.
Angora goats are sheared twice a year.
The hair of kid goats becomes coarser as they age.

Managed under range conditions

Boer goats are a South African breed known for high-quality meat production.
They have hardy constitutions, grow quickly, and produce carcasses high in quality.
This breed is known for its docility.
Nubian goats are a popular registered dairy breed in the U.S.
They have a high butterfat content and produce more milk than other breeds.
They are of Middle Eastern origin and can tolerate hot climates.

Maternal lines

Maternal lines for prolific and heavy milking are crossed with sire lines to produce fast-growing, muscular carcasses.
The goal is to produce high-quality market lambs in feedlots.
Feedlot management is also aimed at reaching a marketable weight.

Feedlot Management

Feedlot management systems need a consistent supply of high quality lambs.
They also need to meet market needs for premium quality.

Management Practices

Range vs shed lambing-kidding methods.
Docking and castration are performed at a young age for better outcomes.
Procedures for docking and castration are chosen for early in life procedures to reduce stress and complications for the animals.
Crutching and facing involve removing wool from reproductive areas and the facial area to prevent obstruction.

Drenching and Spraying

Drenching and spraying are often used to remove internal and external parasites.
Predators like mountain lions and wolves commonly prey on sheep and goats.
Introducing different animals in the same location will mitigate risk of predation for some animals.

Skeletal correctness

Skeletal correctness is an important trait in sheep breeding, and includes considerations like wide chests and ribcages.
Frame size is also a consideration in breeding programs.
Fleece characteristics like density, fineness, and uniformity of grade are important considerations to wool production.
Shearing is done in spring and usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Wool is graded and packaged into bales containing 500 lbs.
Bales are sampled and processed to determine wool yield.

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Description

Discover the key characteristics and production qualities of various sheep breeds, including Merino, Rambouillet, Columbia, Hampshire, Southdown, and Suffolk. This quiz covers their origins, growth rates, and wool types, providing a comprehensive overview of sheep in the global industry.