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Option One (a) Describe the main requirements of winter housing suitable for weanlings in a beef enterprise - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2017
Question 3
Option One (a) Describe the main requirements of winter housing suitable for weanlings in a beef enterprise. (b) Compare the winter feeding programmes for first an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Option One (a) Describe the main requirements of winter housing suitable for weanlings in a beef enterprise - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2017
Step 1
Describe the main requirements of winter housing suitable for weanlings in a beef enterprise.
Answer
The main requirements for winter housing suitable for weanlings in a beef enterprise include:
- Floor Space: Adequate floor space should be provided, typically around 1.4 m² per animal, to ensure comfort and reduce stress.
- Air Space: Each weanling requires approximately 7 m³ of air space, to maintain air quality and reduce respiratory issues.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia, ideally ensuring draught-free conditions.
- Bedding: The use of straw, mats, or similar bedding materials is essential to provide warmth and comfort during the cold winter months.
- Clean Water: Access to clean and fresh drinking water must always be available to ensure the hydration and health of the animals.
- Feeding Space: Sufficient and clean feeding space should be designated for weanlings to allow easy access to food without competition.
Step 2
Compare the winter feeding programmes for first and second winters in a two year calf-to-beef system and account for any differences.
Answer
In the two year calf-to-beef system, the winter feeding programmes for the first and second winters typically involve:
- First Winter: Feeding generally involves hay and silage, ensuring adequate nutrition to support rapid growth.
- Second Winter: The feeding program may adjust to include a higher proportion of concentrates, particularly if weight gain targets are not being met. In contrast, fewer concentrates may be offered if weight targets for the first winter were satisfactory.
Thus, the primary difference lies in the nutritional composition of the feed, where the second winter may require more concentrates based on the first winter's performance.
Step 3
Give the target weight for Hereford x Frisian steers at each of the following stages of the two year calf-to-beef system:
Answer
The target weights for Hereford x Frisian steers at each stage of the two year calf-to-beef system are as follows:
- Winter housing year 1: Between 200 - 220 kg.
- Winter housing year 2: Between 450 - 480 kg.
- Slaughter: Between 550 - 600 kg.