Beef Cattle Industry Overview

These flashcards cover the essential vocabulary and concepts related to the beef cattle industry as presented in the lecture notes.

beef

Meat from cattle.

cow

Female bovid that has given birth.

heifer

Female bovid that has not yet given birth.

bull

Intact adult male bovid.

calf

Young, immature bovid.

steer

Castrated male bovid.

bovid

Mammal of the cattle family.

bovine

Relating to cow.

cull

Select from a large quantity (unwanted).

refrigerated rail cars

Innovation in 1880 that transformed the beef industry by allowing beef to be shipped long distances without spoiling.

cow/calf sector

Involves maintaining breeding cows to produce calves for the beef production system.

stocker operations

Feeder operation where calves graze on grass for 3-4 months before entering the feedlot.

backgrounding

Phase in beef production where calves are fed dry forage, silage, and grain for 90-120 days before entering the feedlot.

feedlot phase

Goal is to put on weight as quickly as possible using a grain-based diet.

seedstock sector

Focuses on producing breeding animals (bulls and heifers) for the cow/calf sector.

Bos Taurus

One of the two main species of cattle.

Bos indicus

One of the two main species of cattle.

British breeds

Cattle characterized by smaller mature size, less growth potential, and easier calving.

continental breeds

Cattle characterized by larger mature size and higher carcass yield.

Certified Angus Beef (CAB)

Brand of beef that meets specific quality criteria, including marbling.

Charolais

Continental breed known for white coat and efficient growth.

Hereford

British breed known for red color with a white face and longevity.

Simmental

Continental breed selected for milk, meat, and drafting purposes.

Texas Longhorn

Iconic breed known for its wide range of forage and lean beef.

Gelbvieh

Continental breed that is a triple purpose breed and has fast pre-weaning growth.

Limousin

Continental breed known for sturdiness, health, and adaptability.

Shorthorns

British breed known for dual purpose (milk/meat) and roan coloring.