Beef lecture 1 (Week 2)

At what age can a calf begin to digest carbs / cellulose?

35 days

At what age is a calf weaned from its mother?

3-12 months, depends on nutrition and system

When does a calf reach “puberty”?

10-24 months, has been considered to reach puberty when it reaches 2/3 adult body weight

• Heavily dependent on nutrition and growth

When are female cows typically bred for the first time?

14-24 months

How long is the gestation period for a pregnant cow?

270-290 days (290 days for twins)

Most female breeding cows will have at least one calf by what age?

2-3 years

How long do breeding females usually live for?

Usually 10 years until can’t calf anymore; are then culled

At what age is a non-breeding female or male cow slaughtered for beef?

18-36 months