Animal Science Beef Industry Quiz

It peaked in 1975 with 132 million cattle

When did the cattle inventory peak?

produce more beef today with fewer cattle

Do we produce more or less product now?

Genetics, nutrition, and management

What has contributed to improved production today?

274-291 days

Gestation

19-21 days

Estrous Cycle

13-17 hours

Duration of Estrus

1,800-3,000 pounds

Bull Mature Weights

900-1,800 pounds

Cow mature weights

50% of cow’s weight at 205 days

Calf Weaning Weight

8-14 months

Bull and Heifer age at puberty

2 years old

Heifer calving for the first time

1,300 pounds

Harvest weight of market steers/heifers

15-18 months

Age at harvest

8-12+ years

Average life span of a cow

the goal is to produce breeding stock

Seedstock

goal is to produce the heaviest calves possible with the least cost

Commercial Cow Calf Production

goal is to grow calves to heavier weights on low priced forage

Stocker

finishing phase of the industry

Feedlot