Cow/Calf Final

What are 3 methods of genetic progress?

1. 1. Bull selection

2. 2. Replacement female selection

3. 3. Culling

What would be an example of a trait where selecting for an optimum might be better than selecting for a maximum? Why is this the case?

birth weight - too large of a birth weight may lead to dystocia

Provide some examples of genetic trade-offs that might occur between traits.

Increased milk leads to higher feed cost; high growth leads to large mature size.

What % of genetic improvement comes from the bull?

80-90%

What are the various components of a selection “toolbox”?

visual appraisal, actual data influenced by management, EPDs, DNA data

What traits might a producer evaluate at calving time to help determine if a heifer calf is a potential replacement female?

Born first calving cycle, born unassisted, vigorous as a calf, dam’s conformation

What are the primary reasons cows get culled?

reproductive failure, age, physical ailments, health, disposition, poor calf performance

Why might below average performance of her calves not be a good reason to cull some cows?

same conditions? same bull? multiple sires?

What should be evaluated during a visual appraisal of potential bulls or replacement females?

structural soundness, udders, body condition, scrotal circumference, temperament

How do EPDs work?

They allow comparison across sires, considering accuracy and percentile rank.

Why are EPDs better than actual data?

actual data is influenced by management and environment while EPDs are averages and percentiles set by each breed association

Why are accuracy and percentile rank important?

Accuracy indicates the reliability of the EPD prediction; percentile rank shows how an animal compares to the breed population.

What are indexes and what are they used for?

Indexes are simplified selection tools that combine multiple EPDs and are represented as dollar values for specific production goals.

What are the different types (not specific products) of DNA tests that are available for beef cattle in the USA?

Parentage, Convenience traits, genomically enhanced EPDs, genetic abnormalities

What are the benefits of crossbreeding?

Heterosis and breed complementarity, improved fertility, weaning weight, longevity, and survivability.

What traits is crossbreeding most likely to have the greatest impact on?

Traits with low heritability such as fertility, litter size, and calf/carcass survival.

What are some examples of crossbreeding systems?

2-breed rotation, 3-breed rotation, 2-breed rotation + terminal sire

Why is crossbreeding not more commonly used?

management ease (too many pastures, difficult in small herds, difficult to source replacements, hard to market uniform lots, perceived inconsistency), simplified systems

What are some simplified systems that can be used to overcome some of the challenges?

sire breed rotation, composite or hybrid

What are the components of the equation of reproduction?

What is estrus?

What are 4 advantages of using synchronization?

What are the 3 primary hormones that are used in estrous synchronization protocols in the USA?

What are 2 different types of products used in progestin-based synchronization protocols?

Can beef females be synchronized when using natural mating? If so, what is the benefit of doing so and how does it affect the serving capacity of the bulls?

What are some key considerations that producers should keep in mind when implementing AI?

List 4 advantages of artificial insemination.

List 4 secondary signs of estrus.

List 4 estrus detection aids.

What is the AM-PM rule?

How does conventional semen compare to sexed semen relative to fertility?

Does use of sexed semen guarantee the sex of the calf?

What are the 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of fixed time artificial insemination?

List 5 factors that affect reproduction in beef cattle.

What is embryonic mortality and why is it important?

When should cows that have recently been bred via artificial insemination be transported?

What are some key characteristics of a full-service genetic provider?

What are the marketable products that seedstock producers produce and sell?

What are the different components of marketing?

What should be included in a marketing plan?

What are some methods producers can use for advertising?

Other than advertising, how might a producer promote their sale or operation?

What are some key strategies to get a sale ad noticed?

What are the different types of sales available to seedstock producers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type?

What are DNA tests for polygenic traits used for?

Is DNA testing more valuable for young cattle or old cattle? Why?

What is a GE-EPD and what is the advantage of using them?

List 3 different methods DNA testing can be used to select against a genetic abnormality.

What would be an example of a simply inherited trait a producer might want to test for?

Under what conditions is active risk management a good idea?

Where are feeder cattle contracts traded?

When do futures and options expire?

What months have feeder cattle contracts?

How many lb is included in a feeder cattle contract?

In a nutshell, how does selling a futures contract function as a risk management strategy?

What is a put option?

How does a put option function as a risk management strategy?

What is LRP and how does it work?

What is the minimum number of animals that can be protected with LRP?

Can LRP be used on unborn calves?

Which risk management strategies allow a producer to take advantage of upward trends in the market?

Which risk management strategies receive a FCIC subsidy?

What factors should be considered when evaluating calf marketing alternatives?

What are 3 different ways that a beef cattle producer could sell calves?

List 5 key factors that affect the price of calves at the sale barn.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a producer finishing their own calves?

What is retained ownership?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of retained ownership?

What % of an operation’s annual income comes from cull sales?

During which months are cull cow prices likely to be the highest?

What are 3 strategies that producers can use to either market cows during seasonal highs or add weight?

What growth-enhancing technologies are available for cull cows?

What is meant by a white fat premium?

What does a producer need to do to have his cows qualify for a white fat premium?