Cattle Terms
What do we call a young female cow that has never given birth?
Heifer
Name one breed of beef cattle from our lesson.
Angus, Hereford, Charolais, or Simmental.
Why might a beef producer choose to raise a steer instead of a bull for meat production?
Beef producers often choose steers over bulls for meat production because steers are easier to manage, calmer, and produce meat with better marbling and tenderness.
What is the nose and mouth area of a cow called?
Muzzle
Name one food product we get from cattle.
Beef, such as steak or roast.
What do we call a female that has given birth?
Cow
Name one breed of dairy cattle from our lesson.
Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, or Ayrshire.
What is a cow-calf operation?
A cattle operation that maintains breeding cows and produces calves.
What is the top of the head between the ears called?
Poll
What do we call products made from cattle that are not the main beef cuts?
By-products
What do we call a male that has been castrated?
Steer
What type of cattle is known as the European type?
What is Bos taurus?
Why is using cattle by-products important to the beef industry?
It helps use more parts of the animal and creates additional useful products.
What is the joint on the back leg that bends like an ankle called?
Hock
This substance from cattle can be processed into gelatin, which is used in some foods and other products.
Collagen
What is the difference between a bred heifer and an open heifer?
A bred heifer is pregnant; an open heifer is not pregnant.
Which popular black beef breed is known for being naturally polled (without horns)?
Angus
A cow has an udder, while a bull has which reproductive structures?
Testicles
What is the tuft of hair at the end of a cow's tail called?
Switch
This product can be made from cattle hides and used to make furniture
Leather
A female calf is born with a male twin and becomes infertile. What is this condition called?
Freemartin
Which red-bodied breed commonly has a white face?
Hereford
Why might a beef producer crossbreed two different cattle breeds?
To combine desirable traits, such as growth, maternal ability, fertility, or carcass quality.
What is the area called where the top of the tail and the end of the back meet?
Tail head
This cattle by-product can be processed and used as an ingredient in some fertilizers.
Bone meal