6. (a) (i) Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system. (ii) On your graph show clearly: 1. Target weights at first winter housing and second winter housing. 2. Where compensatory growth begins. (iii) Suggest a suitable diet for the beef cattle in the first and second winter. (b) Suggest a suitable mastitis-prevention programme in a spring-calving dairy herd. (c) Outline the role of any one hormone in milk production in a lactating cow.

Leaving Cert Agricultural Science Animal Production: 6. (a) (i) Construct the typica

6. (a) (i) Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2012

Question 6

6. (a) (i) Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system. (ii) On your graph show clearly: 1. Target weights at first ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:6. (a) (i) Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2012

Step 1

Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system.

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Answer

To construct the growth curve, draw a graph with the x-axis labeled as 'Time' and the y-axis labeled as 'Weight'. The curve should start below 200 kg, reflecting the growth of calves. As the graph progresses through 'Winter 1' and 'Winter 2', indicate the first winter housing target weight at approximately 200 kg (ranging from 190-210 kg), and the second winter housing target weight at about 460 kg (ranging from 450-470 kg). Mark the point where compensatory growth begins at a noticeable incline in the graph, indicating accelerated weight gain following periods of lower growth.

Step 2

1. Target weights at first winter housing and second winter housing.

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Answer

At first winter housing, target the weight at around 200 kg (with a possible range of 190-210 kg). For second winter housing, indicate a target weight of approximately 460 kg (with a possible range of 450-470 kg).

Step 3

2. Where compensatory growth begins.

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Answer

Compensatory growth begins after the first winter, characterized by a steep increase in weight on the growth curve, highlighting a return to faster growth rates following the winter housing period.

Step 4

Suggest a suitable diet for the beef cattle in the first and second winter.

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Answer

In the first winter, a suitable diet should consist of good quality silage combined with concentrates to meet energy and protein requirements. In the second winter, continue with a similar diet of good quality silage and concentrates to ensure adequate growth and condition.

Step 5

Suggest a suitable mastitis-prevention programme in a spring-calving dairy herd.

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Answer

A suitable mastitis-prevention programme should include hygiene in housing, regular washing of udders and teats before milking, maintaining clean milking machinery, and ensuring proper teet dips post-milking. It may also involve treating infected cows with antibiotics, practicing milk separation, and managing culling of cows that are prone to mastitis.

Step 6

Outline the role of any one hormone in milk production in a lactating cow.

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Answer

Oxytocin, produced by the pituitary gland, plays a crucial role in milk production by causing the muscles of the alveoli and milk-secreting tissue to contract, facilitating milk letdown during milking.

6. (a) (i) Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2012

Worked Solution & Example Answer:6. (a) (i) Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2012

Construct the typical growth curve graph for the two-year 'calf-to-beef' production system.

1. Target weights at first winter housing and second winter housing.

2. Where compensatory growth begins.

Suggest a suitable diet for the beef cattle in the first and second winter.

Suggest a suitable mastitis-prevention programme in a spring-calving dairy herd.

Outline the role of any one hormone in milk production in a lactating cow.

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