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Suckler cows in Ireland are frequently cross-breeds - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2019
Question a
Suckler cows in Ireland are frequently cross-breeds. (i) Suggest two suitable breeds from which to produce cross-breed sucklers. (ii) Describe the benefits of usin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Suckler cows in Ireland are frequently cross-breeds - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2019
Step 1
Suggest two suitable breeds from which to produce cross-breed sucklers.
Answer
Two suitable breeds for producing cross-breed sucklers are:
- Hereford: Known for good maternal abilities and efficient growth, Herefords contribute to the quality of the cross-breed sucklers.
- Angus: Angus cattle are recognized for their high marbling traits, which enhance beef quality, making them an ideal cross-breed option.
Step 2
Describe the benefits of using cross-breed cows.
Answer
Using cross-breed cows offers several advantages:
- Increased hybrid vigor: Cross-breed sucklers are often more robust and healthier due to genetic diversity.
- Improved milk yield: Cross-breeding can enhance milk production capabilities, benefiting calf growth.
- Better growth rates: Cross-bred calves generally exhibit faster growth rates, leading to earlier market readiness and potential profit boosts.
Step 3
Explain the term reproductive efficiency in the context of the suckler herd.
Answer
Reproductive efficiency refers to the ability of the suckler herd to reproduce successfully and maintain a productive cycle. This includes metrics such as the number of calves weaned per cow per year and the pregnancy rate of cows. A higher reproductive efficiency indicates a more productive herd, which is crucial for maximizing profitability and sustainability in beef production.
Step 4
Compare the growth rate of the suckled calf with that of the artificially-reared calf, from birth to weaning.
Answer
Suckled calves generally grow at a higher rate than artificially-reared calves due to:
- Better nutritional intake from their mother's milk, which is tailored to their needs.
- The natural immune benefits of colostrum, leading to healthier growth.
- Typically, sucklers achieve a live weight gain (LWG) of 1.2 kg per day, compared to 0.8 kg per day for artificially-reared calves, depending on the management approach.
Step 5
Describe the grazing management of the suckler herd.
Answer
Effective grazing management of the suckler herd can include:
- Paddock Grazing: Utilizing 21 equal-sized paddocks allows for rotational grazing, helping to manage pasture regrowth and health.
- Permanent Water Supply: Ensuring access to a reliable water source in each paddock promotes better growth and health.
- Fencing Systems: Adequate fencing helps control grazing patterns and protects pasture quality, preventing overgrazing.
Step 6
Compare bull-beef production with heifer-beef production.
Answer
Bull-beef production typically shows:
- Higher live weight gain (LWG) of 1.6 - 1.8 kg per day due to aggressive feeding and genetics compared to heifer production, which averages lower at 1.0 - 1.4 kg per day.
- Bulls are often slaughtered at a younger age, around 15-24 months, promoting faster turnover and market opportunities.
- Heifers, on the other hand, generally have lower carcass weight and may have higher fat content at slaughter, making their production less efficient in terms of feed-to-meat conversion.