Chapter 18: Beef and Dairy Cattle Breed Identification and Production
Management
1. Beef cattle are raised specifically for meat that is called beef. The goal of beef
cattle production is to select a beef animal that produces a large amount of meat.
2. There are three primary types of beef cattle production systems that determine
how beef cattle are raised and used for profit. The first type of production is
called the cow-calf system. The goal of this system is to raise cattle and breed
them as adults. Therefore, this type of production is based on beef cattle
reproduction. One or more cattle breeds may be raised in this type of production
3. Dairy production is based on the cow producing a quality milk product. That
requires the cow to be bred for lactation to occur. Most milk production systems
4. A purebred business consists of breeding dairy cattle that are registered with a
known pedigree. A commercial business consists of a grade type of dairy cow
that is a mixed breed. Sizes range from a family size herd that is less than 100
5. The dairy industry has developed the DHI, or Dairy Herd Improvement, program.
This program is a production testing and record keeping system of dairy herds.
6. DHI records also monitor the progeny, or offspring, of the cattle. The progeny
records help to identify any genetic flaws in breeding lines of cattle. The genetic
7. Cattle can be restrained using a halter and lead rope and tied to a support with a
square knot. If more restraint is necessary, cattle can be restrained using a
squeeze chute or stanchion that holds the cow in place for certain procedures.
8. The herd health manager is a person experienced in handling and caring for cattle
by maintaining health records, providing a health care program, a vaccine
9. Cattle management practices include: a high standard of health care, nutrition,
vaccination, de-worming, and sanitation programs; identification methods;
10. Cattle diseases or conditions include brucellosis (bangs disease), bovine viral
11. Cattle identification methods include ear tags, neck tags, microchips, tattoos,
branding, ear marks, DNA testing, and nose prints.
12. Dairy cattle should be fed based on their stage of lactation and body condition
scoring. They are usually fed 1 pound of quality grain for every 2.5-3 pounds of
15. Waste management of manure is handled by several methods. The solid manure
method is used on some farms due to its low cost. The manure is collected and
hauled away on a daily basis, stored in piles away from the cattle, then removed
Clinical Situation
Answers may vary.