British breeds and continental breeds are commonly used in beef production in Ireland - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question Question 1 - 2013

British breeds:

• Advantage: Smaller and hardier; ease of calving suited to Irish market; less feeding necessary.
• Disadvantage: Early maturing; slower growth rates; produce fatter carcases.

Continental breeds:

• Advantage: Leaner; heavier; faster growth; well-suited to export and beef confirmation.
• Disadvantage: Less hardy; more difficult calving; higher feeding requirements.

Target weight for first winter housing: 200 - 230 kg.

Target weight for second winter housing: 470 - 490 kg.

Target weight for slaughter: 550 - 570 kg.

Housing should be done in October-November using slats or straw bedding in cubicles. It must provide adequate floor space and good ventilation to avoid draughts. A source of fresh water should be accessible, and the housing should be dry and clean to prevent disease. Any treatment for lice or stale concentrates should be accessible.

The store period refers to the moderate feeding level during winter which may lead to extra muscle production while also causing a decrease in the rate of weight gain compared to the grass-fed growing cattle.

Compensatory growth denotes a higher level of growth that occurs during the following summer after periods of stunted growth due to bad weather. After a cold winter, weanlings will typically exhibit a higher weight gain than previously.