Cattle Basics
This term describes an animal that eats only plants.
What is an herbivore
The type of animal with four stomach compartments is called a ___.
Ruminant
Around 8 months old calves are separated from their mothers in a process called ___.
Weaning
This black breed is most popular in the U.S. and is known for marbling and mothering ability.
Black Angus
The acronym BCS stands for ___.
Body Condition Scoring
Cows lack these on their upper jaw and use a different structure to grasp grass.
The four stomach compartments include the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and this one.
Abomasum
Farmers may sell calves at public markets where buyers place bids — these are called ___.
Livestock Auctions
A white or cream-colored French breed known for heavy muscling and fast growth.
Charolais
What range of BCS do producers strive for?
5-7
What plant fiber can cows break down because of their specialized digestive system (and humans can't)?
The major process by which plants capture sunlight to make sugars
Photosynthesis
The stage where cattle eat a balanced, grain-based diet to reach market weight is called ___
Feedlot
Name a breed noted for heat and parasite tolerance commonly used in hot climates.
Brahman
What is a BCS of 1-2 and why can it be bad for a cows health?
Emaciated, cattle can develop metabolic issues which can lead to organ failure
What class of ungulates are cattle classified as?
Even-toed (Artiodactyla)
Which of the 4 stomach compartments is used as a "fermentation vat" in cattle digestion
The Rumen
What feedstuff are cattle primarily fed at feedlots?
Silage
The dual-purpose breed from England known for versatility and good temperament is ___.
Shorthorn
Culling means doing this to a herd.
removing or eliminating less productive or undesirable animals
Name two common settings where beef cattle are raised before entering feedyards
Stockers/backgrounders and Cow/Calf operations
Which of the 4 stomach compartments is used for water absorption in cattle digestion?
Omasum
During the harvesting/packing stage, all carcasses are inspected by which government agency?
United States Department of Agriculture
What is body condition scoring (BCS) used for in herd management?
What is visually evaluating fat stores to assess if cows are at proper weight for reproductive and production goals?)
Give two management practices that help maintain sustainable livestock production
nutrition planning, reproductive management, health protocols, and body condition monitoring. reproductive scheduling, monitoring BCS, and low-stress handling