| Term | Definition |
| Three Phases to Beef Management | - Cow-calf
- Stocker-yearling (seed-stock, genetic responsibility)
- Feedlot (finishing) |
| Genetics | 80-90% of genetic improvement in herd from the bull |
| Puberty | bulls reach this at 15 months |
| Breeding | bulls can cover 30-50 females |
| BSE | Breeding Soundness Evaluation, PE/scrotal circumference/semen evaluation etc. |
| EPD | Expected Progeny Differences |
| ACC | Numerical rating on the accuracy of EPD. |
| Selection Traits for Heifers | -conceive early in breeding season, calve easily, good milk production, ability to wean heavy calves, pass on good traits, can start breeding at 15 months to calve at 24 months. |
| Breeding | breeding two breeds increases weaning rates up to 15%. Breeding 3 breeds (rotation) increases rates 20% |
| Factors of Calf Crop | -feed for maximum output, breed to calve early keep heifers and cows separate, good BCS, watch during parturition, use calve-easy/good quality bulls, crossbreed, supplement feeds if needed, routine health for reduction of Dz, shelter. |
| Optimum Weaning | calves are born in Feb-April, and need to be supplemented at 3 months, need growth stimulants. |
| Stocker-yearling Costs | this market is fading, there's stress on the animals, quality of forage and roughage available varies. |
| Feedlot Management Costs | -facilities
-cost of cattle
-feed per pound of gain
-yardage |
| Castration Reasons | -produces higher quality meat
-easier to handle
-higher prices at market
-prevents unwanted breeding
-increase body weights |
| Methods of Castration | -elastrator
-emasculatome (Burdizzo)
-emasculator |
| Dehorning Reasons | -higher market value
-safer to be around
-reduces other animal injury
-decreases space needed. |
| Chemical Dehorning | Caustic paste, use in 1st week of life. |
| Mechanical Dehorning | -electric hot iron
-Barnes dehorner
Horn saw or Gigli wire |
| Hoof Care | is only really needed to treat foot rot and hairy warts, not a major part of beef management. |
| Growth Hormone Implant | increases weaning weights, increases feed efficiency, market weights are reached faster. This is implanted under the skin of the ear. |
| Synchronization | breeding females to synchronize estrous, they will enter estrus/breed/calve at the same time. Prostaglandin, progesterone, estrogen are either injected implanted, or orally administered. |
| Estrous Cycle Frequency | 21 days |
| Estrus Duration | 18 hours |
| Ovulation | 12-18 hours after estrus |
| Gestation | 283 days (276-295) |
| Offspring | 1 calve (usually) |
| Permanent ID | -freeze brand
-hot iron brand
-ear tattoo |
| Temporary ID | -ear tag
-paint brands
-collars |
| Parasite Control | this is needed for maximum protection. Can be in the forms of a pour-on, oral medication, or injectable. |
