Practice Questions.docx

1. What is the primary goal of using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in the Australian livestock industry? A) To reduce the labor required for animal breeding B) To increase genetic gain and reproductive efficiency C) To decrease the size of herds and flocks D) To eliminate natural mating...

1. What is the primary goal of using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in the Australian livestock industry? A) To reduce the labor required for animal breeding B) To increase genetic gain and reproductive efficiency C) To decrease the size of herds and flocks D) To eliminate natural mating practices Answer: B) To increase genetic gain and reproductive efficiency 2. What is the economic contribution of the Australian agricultural industry to the economy? A) AUD 20 billion B) AUD 47 billion C) AUD 55 billion D) AUD 60 billion Answer: B) AUD 47 billion 3. Which of the following is not a reproductive technology mentioned in the document? A) ET (Embryo Transfer) B) IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) C) AI (Artificial Insemination) D) GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) Answer: D) GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) 4. For what reason might natural mating be preferred over artificial reproductive technologies in some Australian beef operations? A) Higher genetic gain B) Ease of implementation and reduced labor C) Greater efficiency in large herds D) Increased profitability Answer: B) Ease of implementation and reduced labor 5. What is a major advantage of using artificial insemination (AI) in livestock breeding? A) It requires no specialized knowledge or equipment. B) It allows access to elite or unique genetics. C) It ensures all offspring are male. D) It is cheaper than natural mating. Answer: B) It allows access to elite or unique genetics. 6. Which factor does not affect the outcome of AI programs? A) Pasture type and quality B) The music played to animals during insemination C) Semen quality D) Breed of the livestock Answer: B) The music played to animals during insemination 7. What is a primary advantage of embryo transfer (ET) in livestock? A) Reduces the need for male animals B) Maximizes the genetic potential of highperforming females C) Eliminates the need for pregnancy diagnosis D) Ensures all embryos are viable Answer: B) Maximizes the genetic potential of highperforming females 8. Why might IVF be selected over ET in some cases? A) It is always more costeffective B) It produces betterquality embryos C) It can be used in animals that are poor responders to superovulation D) It has higher pregnancy rates than ET Answer: C) It can be used in animals that are poor responders to superovulation 9. What are EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values)? A) Estimates of an animal's worth based on its pedigree B) Predictions of an animal's genetic merit for specific traits C) A record of an animal's medical history D) Financial valuations of livestock for insurance purposes Answer: B) Predictions of an animal's genetic merit for specific traits 10. Which method is used to ensure that AI occurs at the optimal time relative to ovulation? A) Genetic modification B) Heat detection and timing insemination accordingly C) Administering growth hormones to synchronize cycles D) Keeping animals in complete darkness Answer: B) Heat detection and timing insemination accordingly 11. What is the primary reason commercial producers may not use reproductive technologies extensively? A) Lack of interest in improving genetics B) High costs and complex implementation C) Belief in traditional farming values only D) Restrictions imposed by animal rights organizations Answer: B) High costs and complex implementation 12. Which ethical consideration is associated with the use of reproductive technologies in agriculture? A) Ensuring fair trade practices B) Balancing genetic gain with animal welfare C) Reducing carbon footprint D) Promoting organic farming methods Answer: B) Balancing genetic gain with animal welfare Answer: B) By stimulating cows to commence cycling and synchronizing them 14. What is a significant benefit of using embryo transfer (ET) technology? A) Reduces the genetic diversity of the herd B) Decreases the gestation period in cattle C) Allows for the maximization of genetic potential from elite females D) Completely eliminates the need for sire selection Answer: C) Allows for the maximization of genetic potential from elite females 15. In what scenario might a farmer decide not to use reproductive technologies? A) When seeking to maximize genetic gain B) When managing a very small herd or flock C) When aiming to improve specific genetic traits D) When genetic diversity is not a priority Answer: B) When managing a very small herd or flock 16. How can artificial insemination (AI) contribute to genetic improvement in livestock? A) By enabling mating between animals that are physically separated B) By increasing the gestation period for improved development C) By allowing for multiple births from a single mating event D) By reducing the overall health of the herd or flock Answer: A) By enabling mating between animals that are physically separated 18. Which of the following is not a directly intended outcome of using reproductive technologies in livestock? A) Increased genetic diversity B) Enhanced disease resistance through genetic selection C) Immediate increase in the physical size of animals D) Accelerated genetic gain within herds and flocks Answer: C) Immediate increase in the physical size of animals 20. Which of the following is a key factor that can affect the outcome of artificial insemination (AI) programs? A) The color of the livestock B) Semen quality C) The time of year animals are fed D) The breed of the farmer's neighboring herds Answer: B) Semen quality 13. During a sheep's oestrous cycle, the release of which hormone is crucial for inducing ovulation? A) Progesterone B) Estrogen C) Luteinising Hormone (LH) D) FollicleStimulating Hormone (FSH) Answer: C) Luteinising Hormone (LH) 17. Which structure on the ovary of a sheep is responsible for producing progesterone to maintain pregnancy? A) Ovum B) Corpus luteum C) Graafian follicle D) Endometrium Answer: B) Corpus luteum 19. What role does FSH play in the sheep's reproductive cycle? A) Initiates the development of follicles on the ovary B) Directly triggers ovulation C) Causes the regression of the corpus luteum D) Stimulates the production of milk postfertilisation Answer: A) Initiates the development of follicles on the ovary 25. When selecting a beef bull for breeding to improve the marbling score of future offspring, which Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) should a producer prioritize? A) Birth Weight EBV B) Intramuscular Fat EBV C) Milk Yield EBV D) Mature Cow Weight EBV Answer: B) Intramuscular Fat EBV 26. A beef producer aims to increase the weaning weight of calves to enhance early growth rates. Which EBV would be most relevant to this goal? A) 200Day Weight EBV B) Scrotal Size EBV C) Days to Calving EBV D) Carcase Weight EBV Answer: A) 200Day Weight EBV 27. For a beef operation focused on improving the feed efficiency and reducing the cost of gain in their herd, which EBV would offer the most direct benefits? A) Rib Fat EBV B) Retail Beef Yield EBV C) Net Feed Intake (Feed Efficiency) EBV D) Eye Muscle Area EBV Answer: C) Net Feed Intake (Feed Efficiency) EBV Scenario: A beef producer is evaluating two bulls for purchase at an upcoming sale to improve the genetic makeup of their commercial herd. The herd primarily markets weaned calves that are known for their rapid early growth and excellent feed conversion ratios. The first bull has outstanding EBVs for 200Day Weight and Net Feed Intake, indicating potential for high growth rates and efficient feed use. The second bull excels in Intramuscular Fat and Retail Beef Yield, suggesting his offspring would likely achieve higher marbling scores and carcass quality. 28. Considering the producer's primary goal of marketing weaned calves with rapid early growth and excellent feed efficiency, which bull should they prioritize for purchase? A) The first bull, due to his superior 200Day Weight and Net Feed Intake EBVs B) The second bull, because of his higher Intramuscular Fat and Retail Beef Yield EBVs C) Both bulls equally, to diversify the genetic traits in the herd D) Neither bull, as other traits not mentioned are more critical for the producer's goals Answer: A) The first bull, due to his superior 200Day Weight and Net Feed Intake EBVs This question scenario highlights the importance of aligning EBV selections with specific production goals in the beef industry.