2022 ANDM223 Question Paper

Question 1

1.2. Discuss the effect of age on price per kilogram in beef cattle and its relationship

with South African beef carcass classification system

 The age of beef cattle affects meat quality and especially the tenderness of the meat, which is
one of the factors that determine the price of beef cattle in South Africa
 The South African beef carcass classification system is based on the description of carcasses by
means of clearly defined characteristics that are of prime importance to the meat industry,
retailers, and consumers. The current system classifies meat based on five characteristics,
including age, fat, conformation, bruise/damage, and sex
 The price per kilogram of a carcass in the South African classification system varies from class to
class, with a substantial fall from A2 and A3, which are consumer ideal classes

Question2

2.1. What is performance testing in beef cattle production

 Performance testing in beef cattle production is a management tool that offers beef producers a
means of measuring differences among animals in their herds and increasing the likelihood of
selecting genetically superior individuals for breeding replacement

2.2.. Describe features of a performance record in beef cattle breeding.

Individual animal approach: The most effective practice is an individual animal approach to record
keeping. This involves recording specific data such as an animal's identification number, birth date, calf
sex, sire, dam, breed composition, weights, and more

Breeding season: Record the date of when herd sires enter the cow herd to begin breeding. Record herd
sire or sires used for each breeding herd. If an artificial insemination (AI) program is utilized, record the
date or dates and AI sire of each breeding. Evaluate and record body condition scores at breeding

Economic traits: The economic traits that are most important are reproduction, growth rate, efficiency
of gain, carcass merit, and structural soundness. Procedures and methods to objectively measure these
traits should be implemented to improve the productive efficiency and the desirability of the product

Performance testing: Performance testing offers beef producers a means of measuring differences
among animals in heritable, economic traits. It is not a game or contest, but a management tool to be
used in improving herd productivity. Birth date, birth weight, birth weight EBV and accuracy are some of
the performance data that should be considered

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs): Performance recorded data is managed by the Society’s
performance recording register, Breedplan, and specific trait values are reflected in Estimated Breeding
Values (EBVs). EBVs are used for accurately estimating progeny performance for specific traits and to
predict the outcome of breeding programs
2.3. Describe traits to consider for selecting future replacement breeding heifers in

beef cattle production

Age: Select heifers that are born early in the calving season, as they have higher rates of puberty
attainment prior to the start of their first breeding season. As a result, early-born heifers conceive earlier
in the breeding season and therefore calve earlier in the calving season

Genetics: Consider the genetic potential of the heifers and their sires. Traits to consider include early
growth (weaning and yearling weight), early puberty, fertility, and ease of calving

Phenotype: Evaluate each heifer for height, body capacity, weight, structural soundness, thriftiness, and
health. Heifers that are structurally unsound or do not meet a production parameter should be
eliminated from consideration as replacements

Development Considerations: Consider the development strategies that will ensure successful
development of your heifers. Traditional recommendations suggest heifers should be managed to attain
65% of their mature body weight at breeding to maximize pregnancy rate. However, multiple studies
across differing environments have proven that heifers developed at lighter target body weights (50 to
57%) at breeding reduced development costs while not impairing reproductive performance

Disposition: Consider the disposition of the heifers. Select heifers that appear to be docile and have a
good disposition. A replacement heifer with a poor disposition can be a real safety issue for the
producer

Udder Quality: Consider the udder quality of the heifers. Select heifers with well-attached, evenly
spaced teats and a well-formed udder

Milking Ability: Consider the milking ability of the heifers. Select heifers with a good milk production
potential

Calving Ease: Consider the calving ease of the heifers. Select heifers that are easy calvers

2.4. A heifer has wean index of 106. What are the implications of wean index value

of such a heifer.

Higher profitability: A heifer with a high wean index is likely to produce offspring that perform better at
weaning, which can translate to higher profitability for the producer

Better genetics: A high wean index indicates that the heifer has favorable genetics for weaning traits,
such as growth rate and milk production

Better selection: A high wean index can help producers select heifers with desirable genetics for
weaning traits, which can improve the overall performance of their herd

Question 3.
3.1. Discuss identification systems used by beef cattle farmers in South Africa

including the role and application of the Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002.

 In South Africa, it is compulsory for all owners of cattle to mark their livestock with an
identification mark consisting of not more than three letters of the alphabet or symbols
(characters)
 The Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002 replaced the old Livestock Brands Act, 1962, and applies
to the whole country
 The Act requires that all cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs be marked, and it is illegal to put an
identification mark on animals that have not been registered
 The identification mark is put on the National Register of Animal Identification System (AIS), and
no one may use it or brand the animal without the owner's permission

3.2. Outline the disadvantages of breeding seasons in beef cattle

 Increased labor requirements

3.3. . Discuss how you will minimize the occurrence of Lumpy skin disease in beef cows

in South African. Discuss seasonal occurrence, vectors, detection, treatments

and prevention using locally available vaccines and medicines

Seasonal Occurrence

LSD outbreaks are more common during the rainy season when the vectors that transmit the disease are
more active

Therefore, it is important to be vigilant during this time and take preventive measures.

Vectors

LSD is transmitted by biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks

To minimize the occurrence of LSD, it is important to control the population of these vectors. This can be
done by using insecticides, insect repellents, and by keeping the environment clean and free of stagnant
water where mosquitoes breed.

Detection

 Early detection of LSD is important to prevent the spread of the disease. Clinical signs of LSD
include fever, the sudden appearance of firm circumscribed skin nodules, subcutaneous oedema
of the limbs and ventral parts of the body, and a generalized lymphadenitis
  Veterinarians can diagnose LSD by examining the clinical signs and taking skin biopsy samples for
histopathological examination

Treatments

 There is no specific treatment for LSD, but supportive care can be given to infected animals to
help them recover. This includes providing adequate nutrition, hydration, and pain relief

Prevention

Preventive measures are the most effective way to minimize the occurrence of LSD. Here are some ways
to prevent LSD:

 Vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent LSD. Live attenuated vaccines are
available and have been used successfully in some countries
 It is important to use locally available vaccines and medicines that are approved by the relevant
authorities.
 Biosecurity: Implementing good biosecurity measures can help prevent the spread of LSD. This
includes quarantining new animals, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, and controlling the
movement of people and animals on and off the farm
 Vector control: As mentioned earlier, controlling the population of vectors that transmit LSD is
important to prevent the spread of the disease. This can be done by using insecticides, insect
repellents, and by keeping the environment clean and free of stagnant water where mosquitoes
breed.

Question 4.

4.1. Describe the body condition scoring (BCS) systems used by beef cattle in South

Africa.

 Body condition scoring (BCS) is a method used to determine the relative fatness of beef cattle. It
is an important tool for assessing the nutritional status of cows and can be used to make
management decisions regarding feeding and supplementation. The BCS system used for beef
cows in South Africa ranges from 1 to 9, with a score of 1 reflecting cows that are emaciated and
a score of 9 reflecting cows that are obese.
 Thin cows should receive a lower score and fat cows should receive a higher score. The
appearance of key areas of the body, such as the spine, ribs, hooks and pins, tailhead, brisket,
and muscling in the round and shoulder, are used to determine the score

4.2.

Sweetveld:
  Found in areas with lower rainfall and milder winters, such as the central and western parts of
the biome
 Nutrient supply is high relative to carbon assimilation
 Quality of the forage available to livestock in winter is usually good
 Maintains a high nutritional content and is very palatable to the species that browse the grass

Sourveld:

 Occurs where carbon assimilation is high relative to nutrient supply

4.3. What are the benefits of lick supplementation in beef cattle?

Well-balanced nutrition: Liquid feed complements cattle's primary forage and grain diets, ensuring they
receive a well-balanced nutrition profile

Customization: Liquid feed can be pre-mixed to precise nutritional specifications based on the specific
needs of a herd, allowing producers to optimize performance and address nutritional deficiencies

Reduced feeding-time competition and stress: Liquid supplements can be provided in specialized lick
tubs or troughs, allowing cattle to access the liquid feed as needed. This helps to reduce feeding-time
competition and stress among cattle, promoting a more relaxed feeding environment

4.4. Describe factors affecting nutrients requirements of beef cows with reference to

Phase 1 of the stage of production.

 Body weight: Cow body weight is one of the most important factors, being the driver of dry
matter intake. Nutrient requirements change with changes in body weight, and if the correct
body weight is not used in determining nutrient requirements, cows can be under- or over-
nourished, depending on whether body weight is over- or under-estimated
 Stage of production: As a cow approaches calving and lactation, nutrient requirements increase
to meet the increased demand for growth and production. During Phase 1, cows require
adequate amounts of energy, protein, water, vitamins, and minerals for optimal nutrition
 Milk production level: Lactating beef cattle can consume 35 to 50 percent more dry matter than
non-lactating cattle of the same size on the same diet. Cattle with greater milk-producing ability
often also have increased feed intake needs
 Environmental conditions:
4.5. Describe the routine management regime animals must undergo on arrival at thefeedlot.

 Separation: Keep animals from different sources separated as much as possible. New arrivals
should be penned apart from cattle already in the lot and kept from drinking the same water
source
 Processing: Cattle arriving at a feedlot are usually processed on arrival to ensure their health
and productivity while in the feedlot. Processing commonly consists of vaccination, parasite
control, application of growth-promoting implants, and other procedures such as dehorning,
castration, treatment to abort pregnancy in heifers, and application of animal identification
 Rest: Cattle arriving at the feedlot should be granted rest once they arrive to reduce stress from
shipment. Many times, cattle arrive at the feedlot stressed, dehydrated, and weakened from
hauling. The combination of exposure and dehydration decreases the calf's ability to fight
pathogens and predisposes them to disease
 Observation: Daily observation of the animals is important. If an animal shows any signs of
illness, it should be treated promptly to prevent the spread of disease
 Records: Keep records on each bunch of cattle. These records will be useful in helping you
provide the most practical and economical program for the next group of incoming cattle. Post
mortem examinations are worthwhile in ascertaining problems. The results should be
considered for future health and management program.