Introduction to Beef Cattle

Bovine Humor

Objectives Describe terms commonly used with beef cattle. Learning the language Identify external parts of the beef animal.

Terms Commonly Used Bovine - A general family grouping of cattle Cow - a sexually mature female bovine animal, usually one that has produced a calf

Terms Commonly Used Calf -A young male or female bovine animal under 1 year of age Heifer - A young female bovine cow before she has produced her first calf

Terms Commonly Used Steer – A bovine male that is castrated Bull - A bovine male Polled--Naturally without horns

Terms Commonly Used Yearling – An animal that is approximately one year old. Lean--Muscle without the fat Carcass Merit – The value of a carcass for consumption

Terms Commonly Used Reproductive efficiency-- Ability of an animal to produce offspring Conformation - The physical form of an animal; the shape and arrangement of parts Soundness--Having a correct skeletal structure

Terms Commonly Used Breed Characteristics: specific traits unique to a certain breed Sex Characteristics: traits that distinguish an animal as a male or female. Condition: amount of fat cover on an animal.

Terms Commonly Used Pedigree: the record of the ancestors of an animal

Parts of Beef Cattle 1. Let’s see what you know!

Parts of Beef Cattle 1. Now, follow along. Please make corrections and additions as needed.

Beef Carcass Cuts Nine primal carcass cuts from which retail cuts come from

USDA Beef Grades Quality grades refer to characteristics of meat –Tenderness –Juiciness –Flavor Top three grades are often found in grocery stores

USDA Beef Grades – page 6,7 Beef Basics Prime –Most marbling – small flecks of fat throughout the meat –Generally in finer restaurants and higher priced Choice –Sufficient amount of marbling, cheaper than prime Select –Less marbling than choice, leaner

What am I?