ANSC 107-Ramsey

Ad Libitum

allowing animals to eat all they want at all times

Compensary Growth

increased growth rate in response to previous undernourishment

Calorie

the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water from 1 degree C-how we measure energy

Concentrate

a feed that is high in energy, low in fiber content, and highly digestible

ex: grains

Total Digestible nutrients (T.D.N.)

includes the total amounts of digestible protein, nitrogen-free extract, fiber, and fat all added together. Approximates energy content

Roughage

a feed that is high in fiber, low in digestible nutrients, and low in energy. such feeds as hay, straw, silage, and pasture are examples

feeder

animals which need further feeding prior to slaughter

fill

the contents of the digestive tract

Carcass merit

the value of a carcass for consumption

looks at quality (marbling) and age

Dark Cutter

Color of the lean in the carcass. has a dark appearance usually caused by stress to the animal prior to slaughter

Contemporary group

a set of animals of the same sex and breed that have been raised under similar environmental and management conditions

cull

to eliminate from the breeding population

fertility

the capacity to initiate, sustain, and support reproduction

#1 selection criteria in industry

libido

sex drive of the male

Haploid

half the normal number of chromosomes. found in sperm and ova

A.I.-artificial insemination

breeding the female artificially

E.T.- embryo transfer

movement of the embryo from one donor female to another less genetically good female to carry

clone

an individual grown from a single somatic cell of its parent and genetically identical to it

Estrus or heat

the period of mating activity in the female

Estrous

time from on heat period to the next

Estrus synchronization

controlling the estrous cycle so that a high percentage of the females in the herd express estrus at the same time

Gestation period of Equine (horse)

340 days

Gestation period of Bovine (cattle)

283 days

gestation period of porcine (pig)

113 days

Gestation period of Ovine (sheep)

147 days

Gestation period of Caprine (goats)

147 days

dystocia

difficult birth

colostrum

the first milk given by the female following delivery of her young. contains high levels of antibodies which are absorbed by the young for quick immunity

Lactation period

period that female produces milk

dry

refers to a non-lactating female

weaning

taking a young animal from it's mother (dam)

anestrous period

the time when a female is not in estrus. non-breeding season

Open

refers to non-pregnant females

dhia

dairy herd improvement association

scurs

small hornlike tissue attached to the skin of polled or dehorned animals

castration

removing the testicles

spaying

the removal of the ovaries from the female reproductive tract

breed

animals having a common origin and characteristics that distinguish them from other groups within the same species

bovine

refers to cattle

equine

refers to horses

porcine

refers to swine

caprine

refers to goats

ovine

refers to sheep

cattle

male of breeding age: bull

mature female: cow

young male: bullock

young female: heifer

newborn: calf

unsexed male: steer

unsexed female: spayed

groups: herd

genus: bos

act of breeding: serving

act of parturition: calving

horses

male of breeding: stallion

mature female: mare

young male: colt

young female: filly

newborn:foal

unsexed male: gelding

unsexed female: spayed

groups: herd

genus: equus

act of mating: covering

act of parturition foaling

swine

male of breeding age: boar

mature female:sow

young male:shoat

young female: gilt

newborn: pig

unsexed male: barrow

unsexed female: spayed

groups: drove

genus: sus

act of mating: coupling

act of parturition: farrowing

goats

male of breeding age: buck

mature female: doe

young male: buck kid

young female: doe kid

newborn: kid

unsexed male: wether

unsexed female: spayed

groups: band

genus: capra

act of breeding: serving

act of parturition: kidding

sheep

male of breeding age: ram

mature female: ewe

young male: ram lamb

young female: ewe lamb

newborn: lamb

unsexed male: wether

unsexed female:spayed

groups: flock

genus: ovis

act of mating: tupping

act of parturition: lambing

cat

male of breeding age: Tom

mature female: pussy

newborn: kitten

unsexed male: gib

unsexed female: neuter

groups: bevy

genus: Felis domestica

act of breeding: mating

act of parturition: littering

Dogs

male of breeding age: dog

mature female: bitch

young male: puppy dog

young female: puppy bitch

newborn: pup

unsexed male: castrate

unsexed female: spayed

groups: pack

genus: Canis

act of breeding: copulating

act of parturition: whelping

poultry

males of breeding age: cock

mature female: hen

young male: chick

young female: chick

newborn: chick

unsexed male: capon

groups: flock

genus: Gallus

Act of mating: mating

sire breed

fast growing, muscular, late maturing, low milking (mostly european)

Charolais, Chianina, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Hampshire, White Cornish, Suffolk

Maternal breed

early maturing sexually, inherently fertile, moderate to heavy milking, small to moderate size

Angus, Hereford, Brahman, Tarentaise, Yorkshire, Leghorn, Rambouillet

why use cross breeding?

heterosis (hybrid vigor) and complimentarily of traits

heterosis

ability of offspring to out perform the average of the parents breed

Angus

Scotland

Black, naturally polled, moderate size

excellent marbling, early compositional maturity

excellent maternal breed, easy fleshing, good milk production

early maturing sexually

largest number of annual registrations in United States

Hereford

England

Red with white face, also white on underline, switch, etc

moderate size, adaptable to many environments, good disposition

poorest marbling of British breeds

U.S. registry Assn. of Hereford and Polled Hereford merged in 1995 (largest annual registrations)

Shorthorn

England

3 major colors-red, white, and roan

moderate size, good disposition, excellent milk production

has appendix registry program which allows outside genetics to be introduced

British Breeds of Cattle

historically maternal

angus, hereford, shorthorn

Brahman

India

American brahmin is cross of 3 indian breeds

both red and gray strains of brahmans exist, both have black pigmentation, horned

noted for heat tolerance, disease, and insect resistance and crossing ability

poor marbling ability, and slow sexual maturity is offset by ability to thrive in hot, humid environments in the Southern US

Brahman composites: brangus, santa gertrudis, beefmaster, braford, simbrah

Santa Gertudis

United States

5/8 shorthorn, and 3/8 Brahman

dark red, both pulled and horned

developed on the King Ranch in Kingsville TX by founder Robert J. Kleberg

breed traces back to single sire

noted for maternal ability, productivity under hot, adverse conditions, and overall hardiness

composite breed

Santa Cruz composite developed at King Ranch (50%

Brangus

United States

5/8 Angus and 3/8 Brahmin, black and naturally polled

excellent mothering ability, moderate size, early sexual maturing, heat tolerance and forage ability result from the two parent cross

intermediate in carcass merit between the two parent breeds

most "widespread" composite breed in the US

Beefmaster

United States

developed by Tom Lasater in the 1930's in Falurias Texas

about 50% Brahman, 25% Shorthorn, and 25% Hereford, composite breed

no set color pattern

developed based on the "6 essentials" as described by Lasater: weight, conformation, fertility, hardiness, disposition and milking ability

noted for longevity, hardiness, rapid growth, and maternal ability

Bos Indicus Cattle Breeds

heat tolerance and disease

Brahman, Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, Beefmaster

Charolais

France

white, off-white to cream coloration, some pigmentation of skin possible

extremely fast growing, muscular breed that is fast maturing

Large framed with relativity heavy birth weights and large mature size

produce lean, muscular carcasses, marbling can be a problem

below average maternally

Chianina

Italy

Short, straight off-white hair coat with black skin pigmentation

one of the world's oldest breeds

extremely large framed, late maturing breed that is fast growing

has had a tremendous impact on the "show steer" industry

produce lean, muscular carcasses, marbling is suspect

not considered a maternal breed

crazy

Limousin

France

Reddish gold in color

moderate sized that will finish at

Texas Longhorn

Texas, were of Spain origin

long, distinctive horns, many colors include speckled and spotted

were feral until about 1850 then we started driving north for slaughter

in 1800s, began improvement with British bulls (primarily shorthorns and herefords), almost diluted to extinction until 1927 when the department of interior paid to maintain purebreds

relatively slow growing, light birth weight, light muscled cattle with excellent hardiness and known for longevity and ability to utilize forage

Continental European (exotic breeds)

are heavy muscled and large frame

Charolais, Chianina, Limousin, Texas Longhorn

Dairy cattle breeds

Brown Swiss, Holstein-Friesian, Jersey

Brown Swiss

switzerland

large, docile breed from the Swiss Alps known for its strength and vigor

hair is brown of various shades, from light brown with gray or silvery tones to very dark brown

the border of muzzle is very light and often a light colored dorsal stripe is seen

average lactation of 16,135lbs of milk

Holstein-Friesian

Netherlands

Dominant breed of dairy cattle (over 90% of all commercial dairy cattle)

black and white color pattern, large framed, easy going nature

unparalleled milk producing ability-20,121 lbs on avg

lowest percent of butterfat 3.6%

Jersey

Isle of Jersey

small, refined animal as unsurpassed femininity (big brown eyes)

vary from light tan to dark fawn with darker shadings around the head and lower legs. some white patches may be present

highest percentage of butterfat 4.7%

very fertile and early maturing sexually

can withstand more heat and humidity than other dairy breeds

avg milk production of 13,358lbs

Economic Traits of Swine

Reproduction-short generation

growth rate

feed efficiency

carcass traits

swine associations

National Swine Improvement Federation (NSIF)

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)

Swine Testing and Genetic Evaluation System (STAGES)

Landrace

Denmark

White in color with huge drooping ears

the most prolific swine breed that is longer than other breeds because of an extra vertebrae

more confinement adaptable than many other breeds

Yorkshire

England

"mother breed"

white with erect ears; large white in england

noted for large litters, relatively lean carcasses and good feed conversion

Duroc

US

reddish brown (range from light red to dark red) with drooping ears

excellent growth rate and feed efficiency, generally considered a sire breed

average carcass merit, tend to be fatter than Hampshire sired pigs

Hampshire (Swine)

US black with a white belt around shoulders, erect ears

known for lean, muscular carcasses, used primarily as a sire breed

Pietrain

Belgium

black and white spotted with erect ears

extreme muscularity and leanness

early maturing

normally stress positive

terminal sire breed

often get: porcine stress syndrome (PSS) (die from stress), pale soft and exudative (PSE),

two important traits in sheep breeding

meat and wool, however, having both can cause problems

Merino

Spain

Most dominant breed in the world wide sheep industry

very fine fleeces

typically smaller than other wool breeds and slower growing

very hardy, long lived with excellent flocking instinct

white faced breed

Rambouillet

France

Descended from the Spain Merino but larger and faster growing

Louis XVI purchased 366 Spanish Merinos from the King of Spain in 1786 and began to develop the Rambouillet at the King's estate in Rambouillet, France

The dominant range ewe in the Western United States (and texas)

developed as dual purpose sheep

recent years of selection focused on larger and more open-faced sheep

white-faced breed, not extremely prolific under range conditions

Wool Breeds of sheep

Merino, Rambouillet, and Columbia

Columbia

US

developed in the US sheep experiment station in Dubois, Idaho

based on a crossbred foundation of Lincoln rams and Rambouillet rams

Largest of crossbred breeds, best suited to better range areas of the west

produce 10-16lbs of 3/8 blood wool

ewes are relatively prolific and productive. lambs faster growing than Rambouillets and Merinos

White faced, polled breed

Dorset

England

there are horned and pulled strains

A medium sized breed known for its ability to breed out of season and for their prolificacy and milking ability

mature early, sexually and compositionally

white faced sheep produce a light shearing, open fleece

Hampshire (Sheep)

England

sire breed

known for rapid growth and muscularity

face legs and ears are dark brown/black and has wool cap on head

genetics have been infused with suffolk genes in past 20 years

Hampshires and Suffolks are the two most popular sire breeds in commercial sheep production

Southdown

England

One of oldest sheep breeds

Imported to US in 1803

Medium to small sized with light brown face and legs

farm flock breed used to produce meaty, light weight carcasses

Low maintenance

Average prolificacy and milk production

we made them too big

Suffolk

England

A very old breed used as sire breed in commercial production

Free of wool on head and legs, which are black

Alert, active sheep

grow very fast and produce lean, muscular carcasses

Ewes are prolific and heavy milking, but produce very poor fleeces

walking tall-spider gene

hereditary Chandrodysplesia

Meat Breeds of sheep

Dorset, Hampshire, Southdown, Suffolk

Finnsheep

Finland

Most noted for their incredible prolificacy (mature ewes produce 3+ lambs)

in addition to prolificacy, ewes are noted for milking ability, and easy lambing with maternal instincts

These sheep have very poor fleeces and are slow growing and light muscled

Require intensive management

Polypay

US

Synthetic breed developed in US Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho

goals in developmental stages:

1) high lifetime prolificacy

2) good lamb crop at 1 year of age

3) Ability to lamb more frequently than once a year

4) good growth rate of lambs

5) good carcass quality

6) will breed out of season

Reciprocal crosses of Dorset X Targhee and Finnsheep X Rambouillet were used in development of the breed

requires intensive management, but is very productive-gets paid on wool and lamb

Dual Purpose Breeds

Finnsheep and Polypay

Angora

Turkey

Produces Mohair

sheared twice a year

managed primarily under range conditions

utilize a great deal of browse in their diet

90% of US Angoras are in TX

the finest hair is produced by kid goats, hair gets coarser as goat gets older

South African Boer Goat

South Africa

hardy, fast growing meat-type goat

medium size with prominent horns and drooping ears

Generally Brown head and neck with white body and legs, having short to medium hair

Good meat-type confirmation with superior spring of rib, body length and muscling

Alpine

French Alps

The French Alpine is the most numerous variety of Alpine in the US

Medium to large in size, erect ears, and number of distinct color patterns

good milkers

Spanish Goat

Spain

Term Spanish goat is used in the US to refer to goats of mixed breed origin

Term Meat goat is used interchangeably by many people as they are kept largely for meat production

high variability in appearance and performance, because there has been little planned selection.

Horned, colors range, can have spotting

Very prolific and hardy, utilize a great deal of browse, thus used to clean up re-growth in cleared areas.

Nubian

Africa

Most popular breed of registered dairy goat in the US

High butterfat

distinctive long, drooping ears and "Roman nose"

many colors

do not produce as much volume of milk as other breeds, "Jersey of milk goats"

How are horse breeds classified?

Light, Draft, Ponies

1 Hand =

4 Inches

< 14.2 classified as pony

> 14.2 classified as horse