Cattle Terminology

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Bos Indicus

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Scientific name for Zebus cattle which consist of many breeds who originate from India; characterized by a hump, drooping ears and a large dewlap; are highly adapted to high temperatures.

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Bull

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Uncastrated male bovine.

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Calving Ease

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EPD (expected progeny difference) which estimates the ease of a heifer having a calve.

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Conformation

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Physical formation especially pertaining to the shape and structure of an animal.

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Cow-calf Operation

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Popular method of raising cattle in which the cow herd is kept to produce calves for later sale.

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Cross-breeding Programs

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Program which breeds two animals of different breeds, varieties or populations in an effort to increase hybrid vigor.

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Cutability

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Percentage of boneless, trimmed and saleable meat (muscle) versus the percentage of waste fat.

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Dam

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Female parent of a domestic animal.

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Docile

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Livestock which are calm, not aggressive and are easily trained and handled.

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Doing ability

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Measure of how the animal will perform and hold up in production.