Beef science exam 2

What do seedstock producers do?

Produce genetics for industry and improve traits

Bull tests

Bring sample of genetics and compare traits with other producers

Can either sell bulls or keep them

Goals of seedstock breeders

1. Efficient animals

2. Profitable animals

3. Fit consumer demands

Types of animal identification

1. Pedigree registration

2. Performance records

Methods of ID

1. Ear tag

2. Ear tattoo

3. Branding

Ear tattoos

• usually in both ears

• Middle 1/3 of upper lobe

Ear tags

• convenient

• Easier to read but easier to lose

• Some can control external parasites

Types of branding

1. Hot iron → any color

2. Freezebranding → best on darker colors

Branding can decrease hide value

What are the requirements for seedstock animal IDs?

Must have one permanent ID and one that is easily visible

Numbering ID system

Last digit of the year is the first on the ID then in order of birth

Problems with numbering ID system and solution

Repeat numbers every 10 years

Can be fixed with colored ear tags

Letter ID system

Each letter represent a year

Universal, created by BIF

I, O, Q, and V are not included

Types of production records

1. Inventory

2. Breeding

3. Calving

4. Weaning

5. Yearling

6. Contributions to other production

Breeding records

1. Sire used

2. Date of exposure

3. Pregnancy check

Types of calving records

1. Birthday

2. Birth weight

3. Calving ease

4. Gestation length

5. ID

Birth weights have to be adjusted for what two things

1. age of dam- 4-8 lbs lighter on heifer dams

2. sex of calf- bull calves 5-8lbs heavier

What is teh bet measure of calving ease

Birth weight

Weaning weights are adjusted to what

205 day weight

Calving ease scores

1. No difficulty, no assistance

2. Minor difficulty, some assistance

3. Major difficulty, mechanical assistance

4. C-section or other surgeries

5. Abnormal presentation

Contemporary groups have to be with __ days of age

90 days