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5. (a) Briefly outline the main principles in bull beef production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2013
Question 5
5. (a) Briefly outline the main principles in bull beef production. (b) Outline the management principles for the dairy cow in mid-to-late lactation. (c) Suggest r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5. (a) Briefly outline the main principles in bull beef production - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2013
Step 1
Briefly outline the main principles in bull beef production.
Answer
The main principles in bull beef production focus on optimizing growth rates and ensuring quality. Bulls typically exhibit better growth rates compared to steers, primarily due to the testosterone influence. Key factors include:
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Feeding: Bulls require a high-energy diet rich in concentrates such as barley and protein sources to maximize growth. The average daily gain (ADG) should be monitored to ensure bulls gain between 1.5 to 1.3 kg per day.
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Growth Rates: Recommended growth rates for bull beef production lead to earlier market readiness, generally aiming for an average of 15-17 months of age for finishing.
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Breeds: Selection of breeds matters; crossbreeding may enhance growth rates and meat quality.
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Housing: Adequate housing is essential to reduce stress and improve health, ensuring bulls are kept in smaller, manageable groups.
Step 2
Outline the management principles for the dairy cow in mid-to-late lactation.
Answer
Management principles during mid-to-late lactation are critical for maintaining dairy cow productivity. These principles include:
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Body Condition Scoring (BCS): Monitoring BCS is essential; cows should be maintained at an optimal score to prevent metabolic disorders.
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Nutritional Needs: Cows require a well-balanced diet; this includes maintaining forage quality and concentrate levels to sustain milk production without excessive weight loss.
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Milking Management: Proper milking routines must be maintained to avoid issues such as udder infections. Implementing dry cow therapy before drying off can help prevent mastitis, particularly as milk production decreases.
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Rotational Grazing: Implementing rotational grazing systems can improve forage utilization and lead to better overall cow health.
Step 3
Suggest reasons for a high total bacterial count (TBC) in milk.
Answer
A high total bacterial count (TBC) in milk can arise from several factors:
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Milking Equipment: Inadequate cleaning and maintenance of milking machines can lead to bacterial growth in the liners, contributing to higher counts.
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Cow Health: Older cows or those with udder infections can introduce elevated bacteria levels into the milk supply.
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Cooling Practices: Failure to refrigerate milk promptly to 4°C can enable bacteria to multiply rapidly.
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Hygiene Practices: Poor hygiene during the milking process, such as improper udder cleaning or sanitation, can lead to contamination.
These factors collectively impact milk quality and safety, necessitating stricter hygiene and management protocols.