Final Exam - Animal Science & Society

What does the term 'hands' refer to in equine measurements

It refers to a unit of height measurement for horses.

In horse measurement, what does each whole hand represent

Each whole hand represents 4 inches.

What is the average annual income generated by the U.S. beef cattle industry

$45 billion

How many beef cattle farms are there in the U.S.

Approximately 740,000

What percentage of the world's cattle are raised in the U.S.

7%

What roles do British, Continental, and Zebu/Composite breeds serve in beef production

They each have distinct traits and market roles.

What are the main segments of the beef cattle industry

Seed stock, cow-calf, stocker/yearling, and feedlot operations.

Which cross is common for maximizing hybrid vigor in beef cattle

Angus-Hereford cross (Black Baldy).

What factors are necessary for effective herd management

Reproduction, nutrition, health, and genetics.

What innovative practices are some beef producers adopting

Multi-species grazing and direct marketing.

What is the primary purpose of beef cattle

Convert unusable resources into high-quality food.

How much of the world's beef and veal does the U.S. produce

19%

What beneficial traits are associated with Angus cattle

High marbling, juiciness, flavor, and maternal qualities.

What is Certified Angus Beef (CAB)

A recognized marketing label for high-quality Angus beef.

What is unique about Black Baldy cattle

They combine maternal ability, hardiness, and high beef quality.

What type of cattle utilize crop waste in their diet

Beef cattle.

What is the role of seed stock producers in the beef industry

They supply purebred animals for crossbreeding.

What contributes to the hybrid vigor seen in crossbreeds

The combination of traits from different breeds that outperform purebreds.

When do cow-calf producers typically sell their calves

At weaning, usually 6-10 months old.

What is a common trait of Continental breeds

They are larger and later maturing than British breeds.

How does crossbreeding benefit cow-calf operations

It enhances hybrid vigor and improves maternal traits.

What is the effect of poor nutrition on calf weaning weight

It negatively impacts the calf's growth due to insufficient milk production from the mother.

What factors determine the choice of crossbreds in cattle production

Feed availability and market demand.

What is the typical duration of a cow’s estrus cycle

19-21 days.

What is the ideal calving interval to maintain herd productivity

One calf per cow annually.

What is the main nutritional strategy in feedlots

High-energy feeds to promote fat and marbling.

How many major breeds influence U.S. beef production

Approximately 70.

What kind of cows do commercial cow-calf producers typically use

Grade (unregistered) or crossbred cows.

What is the objective of a feedlot producer

To achieve desirable carcass composition, especially 'choice' grade beef.

What happens during the feedlot phase of production

Animals are finished for slaughter by adding fat/marbling.

What should the herd health program include

Adequate nutrition, good sanitation, vaccination, and parasite control.

What does the term 'herd health essentials' mean

Key components that maintain the health and productivity of beef cattle.

How is the growth of stocker cattle influenced

By using low-priced forages to increase calf weight.

What is a key requirement for replacement heifers before breeding

They must reach at least 65% of adult weight by 15 months.

What innovative farming techniques does Dan Glenn use

Minimal chemical use, intensive grazing, and polyculture grazing.

What markets does Dan Glenn sell his grass-finished beef

Through the Deep Grass Graziers website and a developing meat CSA.

What is the breeding herd's goal regarding calving

Every cow should give birth to one calf per year.

What characterizes the Eastern U.S. market demand for beef

Higher demand for marbled beef due to the restaurant trade.

Who highlighted the philosophy that animals have unique natures to be respected

Dr. Bernard Rollins.

What do the 'Five Freedoms' represent in animal welfare

Standards for animal care, including freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, normal behavior expression, and fear.

Which U.S. population percentage has agricultural ties

Approximately 2% of the U.S. population is directly involved in agriculture, reflecting a declining trend as urbanization increases.

How has technological innovation affected agriculture

Increased efficiency and shifted societal perspectives.

Give an example of a behavioral need in pigs.

Pigs wallow for thermoregulation.

What includes animal welfare assessment beyond production metrics

The evaluation of an animal's physical and mental well-being, considering their behavioral needs, environment, and general health.

What does Temple Grandin's methodology assess in animal welfare audits

Body condition, injuries, behavior, and other welfare indicators.

Why is it challenging to accommodate animal needs in farming

Determining if certain behaviors are needs or wants when raising animals.

What percentage of farm revenue from livestock does the U.S. sheep industry currently represent

0.2%.

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What are the main products from sheep and goats

Meat, milk, and fiber.

Which production system produces most U.S. lamb and wool

Range operations.

What is the largest expense in sheep and goat production

Feed costs, which can be up to 70% of production cost.

Name a major health challenge in the sheep industry.

Gastrointestinal parasites.

What is the annual U.S. income from sheep, lambs, and wool

$460 million

What is the U.S. per capita lamb consumption

Less than 1 lb/person/year.

How does U.S. per capita lamb consumption compare to beef consumption

Beef consumption is significantly higher at 57 lbs/person/year.

What are the three main goat enterprises

Dairy, fiber (Angora), and meat.

What caused the decline of the Angora goat industry after the mid-1990s

The end of wool/mohair incentives.

What is a common target for lamb weaning rates in sheep production

150–200%.

How many ewes do operations with ≥500 ewes typically have

They represent 1% of producers and have 44% of ewes.

What type of land is range land for sheep operations

A mix of private and BLM-leased land.

Which breeds are used for livestock guardian dogs for sheep

Great Pyrenees and Maremma.

What is the average number of ewes in a farm flock operation

30–40 ewes.

What percentage of farm operations have fewer than 100 ewes

94%.

What do lamb feedlots typically finish feeder lambs to

Market weight of 130–140 lbs.

Where are large meat goat operations mainly located

Texas.

What is the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) aimed at

Genetic evaluation.

Which breeding approach is preferred in commercial sheep production

Crossbreeding.

What is a dual-purpose sheep breed known for producing

Both meat and wool.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy toxemia in ewes or does

Appetite loss, depression, uncoordination, aimless wandering, blindness, and coma.

What role does flushing play in sheep nutrition

Increases ovulation and multiple births before breeding.

What feeding periods are critical for ewes

Two weeks pre-breeding, late gestation, and first six weeks of lactation.

How does the strain of parasites affect sheep health

Moderate to heavy loads can cause poor growth, weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia.

What is the primary source of feed for sheep and goats

Forages and roughages.

What market expansion has affected goat and sheep products

The ethnic market.

What is the trend of the U.S. sheep industry over recent years

It has declined from a major industry to a specialty status.

What is the horse industry classified as

A hybrid sector with agricultural, recreational, and companion animal aspects.

How many horses were estimated to be in the U.S. in 2005

9.2 million horses.

What economic impact did the horse industry have in 2005

$29 billion in direct economic impact.

What percentage of horses are used for work

Only 8%

How are horse breeds categorized

Draft horses, light horses, and ponies.

What is a key management challenge in the horse industry

Reproductive inefficiency (50-60% foaling rate).

When did the federal government stop collecting horse data

In 1960.

What was the last government estimate of horses in the U.S. in 1960

3 million horses.

Who collects horse data now

Private agencies and the Census of Agriculture.

What was the authoritative source of recent horse data mentioned

2005 American Horse Council study.

How many horse owners were there reported in the 2005 study

Over 1.96 million horse owners.

What characterizes owner attitudes in the horse industry

They are often non-pragmatic.

How do horses compare to livestock in terms of human values

Horses share more similarities with pets/companion animals.

What affects horse genetics research

It's less extensive because horses are mainly used for recreation, not food or fiber.

What traits are important in horse genetics

Height at withers, speed, movement, and temperament

What is the heritability for reproductive traits in horses

Very low; influenced strongly by the environment.

What are the names of some key horse coat color genes

W (white), G (gray), E (black), A (agouti), C (cream), D (dun), RN (roan), APL (Appaloosa).

What are the three basic coat colors in horses

Bay, black, and chestnut.

What does the W gene do in horses

Prevents pigment formation; a WW genotype is lethal.

What breed is known for its feathered legs and strength

Shire.

Which draft breed is most popular

Belgian.

Which horse breed excels in short-distance speed and cattle work

Quarter Horse.

What type of breeds are Arabian and Morgan

Light horse breeds.

What height defines a pony

Equines <14.2 hands at withers.

What is the common use of Shetland ponies

Riding and cart pulling.