C
C – ELISA:
Competitive ELISA
C and F:
(see Cost and Freight)
Caecum:
Part of the gastrointestinal tract between the small and large intestines
Caesarean Section:
A process in which the calf is surgically removed from the cow during parturition by making a large incision on the right side of the cow just above the flank
CAFO:
(see Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation)
Cake:
Pelleted feed usually made from a mix of feeds and minerals. Usually about 8mm in diameter and 20mm long. The feeds are often by-products from the food industry. As examples Sugar beet pulp is what is left when sugar has been extracted from the sugar beet, maize pulp is left when corn syrup is extracted from maize, and rape meal is what is left when rape oil is extracted from rape seed, normally for use in cooking oils. Any of these may be combined with other ingredients and compressed into cake
Calcified:
(see Calcification)
Calcification:
The process by which organic tissues become hardened by a deposit of calcium salts
Calcium Methabolism Problems:
The balance of the mineral, calcium, in the cow's body is disturbed
Calculated Traits:
(see Derived Traits)
Calculi:
(see Urinary Calculi)
Calculus:
A concretion of material, usually mineral salts, that forms in an organ of the body. Bladder or kidney stones are an example of calculus
Calf:
A baby bovine animal
Calf Crop:
The number or percentage of calves produced within a herd in a given year relative to the number of cows and heifers exposed to breeding
Calf Crop Percentage:
The percent of cows expected to breed, which subsequently weaned a calf
Calf Due Date:
Calf due date of animal expressed as (mm/dd/yy). Any number greater than current year is assumed to be 19XX, e.g., 05/20/97 is assumed to be May 20, 1997
Calf Identity:
The identification reported for the offspring of an animal
Calf Name:
The barn name reported for a calf at calving time
Calf Skin:
The classification for hide from immature animals
Calf Table:
Small open – ended chute that lays over like a table
Calf-feds:
Cattle which are placed on feed as calves and finished at less than 16 months of age. They are usually on feed for 150 to 200 days. These cattle are usually placed in the feedlot directly following weaning
Calfhood Vaccination:
Vaccination with Brucella abortus Strain 19 for heifers between 4 and 10 months old. The best age is at 5 months. Calfhood vaccination must be given by a federally accredited veterinarian (Most large animal veterinarians are federally accredited). Vaccination is necessary for heifers being shipped into some states; therefore, many sales require that all heifers sold be calfhood vaccinated so as not to restrict the potential market. The decision to have heifer calves vaccinated for brucellosis should be based on the advice of the herd's veterinarian and depends on the marketing plan of the herd
Official Calfhood Vaccinate Markings
- official orange ear tag
- special tattoo
- denoting the quarter and year of vaccination
Calf’s Estimated Transmitting Ability:
This is calculated as one-half the sum of the sire PTA and dam PTA. If the dam does not have a PTA, one-fourth of her ERPA is used. If the sire has no PTA or PA calculated by USDA, the non-AI breed average is used in calculating the calf’s ETA. If the dam has no PTA or ERPA, the breed average PTA is used in the calculation. The calf’s ETA is recalculated quarterly
Calfscours:
Diarrhoea of calves, of most important in the newborn, because of their susceptibility to dehydration and toxaemia
Calibration Rod:
The rod used to measure the volume of milk in the tank
Call or Call option:
A contract that entitles the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase an underlying futures contract at a stipulated basis or strike price at any time up to the expiration of the option. The buyer pays a premium to the seller for this contract. A call option is bought with the expectation of a rise in prices
CALM:
Computer Aided Livestock Marketing
Calorie:
Amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water from 15ºC to 16ºC
Calpains:
Endogenous cysteine proteases activated by Ca2+. They are components of the enzyme system acting on cytoskeletal proteins during meat tenderising
Calve:
Giving birth to a calf. Same as parturition
Calvey Heifer:
A pregnant cow with its first calf
Calving:
(see – Parturition)
Calving Chain:
A set of two stainless steel chains (or nylon straps) that are carefully wrapped around an unborn calf’s legs so two people can help pull the calf through the birth canal
Calving Date:
The date the animal gave birth to a calf; also known as “fresh date.”
Calving Difficulty:
(see - Dystocia)
Calving Difficulty Score:
A score recorded based upon the ease of calving
1 = no problems;
2 = slight problem;
3 = needed assistance;
4 = considerable force used and
5 = extreme difficulty
Calving Ease:
The opposite to calving difficulty. An easy calving is one that does not require assistance and does not impose any strain on the calf or dam
Calving Ease Score:
A numeric score quantifying calving ease, ranging from 1 for an easy, unassisted calving through 5 for an abnormal presentation
Calving Interval:
The average number of days between the latest two calving dates for individual cows or a herd
Calving Percentage:
Number of calves born per 100 cows joined with the bull or artificially inseminated
Calving Prep Date:
A date 21 days prior to the due date which should be used to prepare the cow for calving. Usually, this date is used to begin lead feeding in preparation for calving
Calving Season:
The season(s) of the year when the calves are born. Limiting calving seasons is the first step to performance testing the herd, accurate records, and consolidated management practices
Calving Strap:
(see Calving Chain)
Calving to First Oestrus Postpartum Interval:
The time in days it takes for a cow to reach its first oestrous after giving birth
Campylobacteriosis:
(see Vibrosis)
Can Milk:
That milk placed in 10-gallon cans on the farm for cooling and transportation to a dairy product manufacturing plant
Cancer:
A class of disease in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth and invasion that intrudes upon and destroys adjacent tissues. Cancers sometimes spread to other locations in the body. This term is normally used to describe malignant tumours
Cancer Eye:
A malignant squamous cell carcinoma of cattle, especially the Hereford breed, that originates in the conjunctival mucous membranes or the surrounding skin; it occurs principally in range cattle having unpigmented skin around the eye and living in regions of intense sunlight
Candida:
This fungus or yeast can normally be found in areas of the body such as the mouth, the genital and intestinal tracts. It can cause disease in animals
Cannon Bone:
The long bone, between the knee or hock and the foot
Cannula:
A special tube designed for placing drugs into the udder through the teat end and streak canal
Cantharidin:
Odourless, colourless terpenoid secreted by species of blister beetle
Cap Muscle:
A common term whose meaning differs from one region of the country to another.
(1) gracilis muscle;
(2) biceps femoris;
(3) gluteus medius; or
(4) tensor facia latae
Capacitation:
Maturation of sperm. This process is necessary before the sperm is capable of fertilising the egg. It occurs naturally in the female genital tract but in IVF is induced with chemicals
Cape:
The hide that is removed from the head of the animal
Capillary:
One of the tiny blood vessels which forms a network in the body tissue
Capital:
Items that contribute to production over at least a medium time period, such as more than a year. For example, tractor, land, lime fertiliser, equipment, etc
Capital Gain:
Increase in the value of capital items due to a rise in their market value
Capital Investment:
Funds used to acquire assets such as equipment, that have a life of more than one year and that adds to the productive capacity of the farm
Capped Hocks:
Hocks that have hard growths that cover, or “cap,” their points
Capsid:
The outer protein coat of the virus
Capsomere:
A subunit of the protein coat of a virus particle
Captive Supply:
Products that manufacturer’s or processors own or contract to purchase for future delivery in order to have a predictable source of raw materials for their plants. In beef production, it refers to the cattle that packers own or contract to purchase 2 weeks or more before slaughter
CAR:
Condition Affecting Record
Carbohydrate:
Generic name for sugars - e.g. fructose, sucrose
Carbon Dioxide Anaesthesia:
(see CO2 Stunning)
Carcass:
The body of an animal after being dressed (removal of head, feet, hide and internal organs)
Carcass Composition:
The proportions of a connective tissue, bone, muscle and fat in a carcass
Carcass Cutability:
An estimate of the percent of trimmed boneless retail cuts from the round, loin, rib and chuck
Carcass Evaluation:
Techniques for measuring components of quality and quantity in carcasses and using the information for genetic prediction of carcass merit
Carcass Merit:
Desirability of a carcass relative to quantity of components (muscle, fat, bone), and potential eating quality
Carcass Quality Grade:
An estimate of palatability on marbling and maturity and generally to a lesser extent on colour, texture, and firmness of lean
Carcass Weight:
The weight of an animal after slaughter and removal of most internal organs, head, and hide. On average, for feedlot steers and heifers, a beef carcass is about 63% of the weight of the live animal. For cull cow and bulls, the dressing percentage is lower
Carcass Weight Equivalent (CWE):
A term used to demonstrate an estimate of the carcass weight has been made. Generally used when estimating carcass weight from shipped weight
Carcinoma:
A subtype of cancer that arises from epithelial cells. Epithelial cells form the lining of our internal organs, cavities, glands, and skin
Cardiac:
Pertaining to the heart
Cardiac Muscle:
The muscle that is striated and has involuntary nervous system control. The nucleus is located in the centre of the muscle fibre. The muscle fibre exhibits rhythmic contractility and is found exclusively in the heart
Cardiomyopathy:
Literally, means "heart muscle disease"
Cardiopulmonary:
A term relating to both the heart and lungs
Cardiovascular:
Refers to the circulatory system comprising the heart and blood vessels which carry nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the body and removes carbon dioxide and other wastes
Carotene:
Orange pigment found in leafy plants (e.g., alfalfa), yellow corn, and other feeds that can be broken down to form two molecules of vitamin A
Carotid Artery:
The main artery that supplies blood to the brain, which is severed when an animal is exsanguinated
Carpus:
The animal equivalent of our wrist
Carrier:
An individual that is heterozygous, having one recessive allele at a given locus. E.g. an animal with one gene for polledness and one gene for horns will be polled but can produce horned offspring when mated to another animal carrying the gene of horns
Carrier State:
The harbouring of a microorganism causing a particular disease without signs or symptoms of infection and yet the disease can be transmitted to others
Carry Cattle:
Cattle that are held at the packing plant during a holiday or weekend. These cattle may be penned at the plant for 36 to 84 hours before being slaughtered. These cattle generally are offered feed and water if held for more than 36 hours
Carrying Capacity:
The maximum stocking rate possible without damaging vegetation or related resources. Carrying capacity may vary from year to year on the same area, due to fluctuating forage production
Cartilage:
A specialised fibrous, elastic, or hyaline connective tissue found in the carcass. It is normally found on the ends of bones and more frequently in carcasses of young animals. Cartilage ossifies as animals mature, thereby making it an important consideration when determining a carcass' skeletal maturity
Cartilaginous Juncture:
Junction of the first rib and anterior extremity of the sternum
Caruncle:
The “buttons” on the ruminant uterus where the cotyledons on the fetal membranes attach
Case Ready:
Beef cuts received by the retailer that do not require further processing before they are put in the retail case for selling
Casein:
The dominant protein (80 percent) in cow’s milk. Casein is vital to cheese making and has a variety of uses in manufacturing as well
Cash Basis:
Accounting method which recognises revenue only in the accounting period when cash is received (actually or constructively), and expenses only in the period paid
Cash Flow:
Cash receipts and cash expenses
Cash Flow Budget:
Detailed estimate of the projected cash receipts and expenses over a future period of time used to evaluate the financial feasibility of a plan
Cash Flow Statement:
Financial statement summarising all cash receipts and disbursements over a period of time (usually monthly for a year)
Cash Market:
The market where cattle are physically bought and sold
Cash Market Price:
Price that results when cattle go to market
Cash Method of Accounting:
An accounting method by which revenue and expenses are recorded when the cash is received or paid
Cash Settlement:
In relation to the futures market, where settlement involves payment or receipt of the difference between the settlement price and the agreed futures price
Castrate:
(1) To remove the testicles
(2) An animal that has had its testicles removed
Castration:
(see Castrate)
Casualty Animal:
An animal slaughtered prematurely for meat as a result of an accident, injury or wound. This is also known as emergency slaughter. Emergency slaughter of animals with unspecified illness can be a source of risk to human health, therefore veterinary inspections of the animal prior to slaughter and of the carcass are made before deeming such meat fit for human consumption
Casualty Slaughter:
(see Casualty Animal)
CAT Scan:
(see CT Scan)
Catabolism:
Enzymatic breakdown of boyd cell components into smaller units (proteins to amino acids). Opposite of anabolism. Same as digestion, however, we usually refer to digestion happening in the gut
Cataract:
White opacities in the lens of the eye. There are many different forms and causes of cataract formation. Severe cataracts can cause blindness and may be an indicator of underlying diseases like diabetes
Catch Pen:
A small, well-fenced area used for catching and sometimes training livestock
Catchment Management:
The planning and implementation of natural resource interventions to achieve sustainable land and water use in a watershed
Categorical Variables:
Variables which take on discrete values only. An example is calving ease in cattle where the ease of calving is recorded as Unassigned, Easy pull, Hard pull and Surgical. Through occurring in discrete categories the underlying genetic control may be polygenic, as is the case for calving ease, or controlled by a single locus, as is the case for a trait such as horns and polledness
Category 1 Laboratory:
A recognised dairy laboratory that tests dairy product for export certification and tests samples to determine whether dairy product is fit for intended purpose or to meet overseas market access requirements
Category 2 Laboratory:
A recognised dairy laboratory belonging to an animal product business that tests its dairy product that is intended for sale in the New Zealand domestic market and tests samples (including raw milk) for internal quality control purposes
Catheter - tip Syringe:
A syringe with a blunt tip, used for the oral dosing of animals
Cattalo:
A cross between domestic cattle and bison
Cattle:
Any of various chiefly domesticated mammals of the genus Bos, including cows, steers, bulls, and oxen, often raised for meat and dairy products
Cattle Broker:
(see Broker)
Cattle Buyer:
Professional livestock buyer that buys and sells large quantities of livestock for different producers, usually feedlots and backgrounders
Cattle Chute:
An alleyway or path enclosed by fencing that moves cows from one area to another; it allows cows to be moved with less risk of injury to people
Cattle Cycle:
Cyclical increases and decreases in cattle inventories over time, which arise because biological constraints prevent producers from instantly responding to price. In general, the cattle cycle is determined by the combined effects of cattle prices, climatic conditions, and the time needed to breed, calve, and raise cattle to market weight
Cattle Feeder Spread:
A cattle feeder spread is a processing spread trade where feeder cattle (thin cows) futures are bought (long) and live cattle (fat cows) futures are sold (short) simultaneously. Cattle feeders use this hedging strategy to hedge the later purchase price of feeder cattle and the later sale price of live cattle. Cattle feeders purchase feeder cattle, fatten them and then sell them as live cattle ready to be slaughter
Cattle Guard:
An obstacle to cattle in a roadway made from horizontal (usually metal) bars inserted in the roadway over a depression in the ground and parallel to the fence line. It is used to replace a gate. The hole under the bars is a deterrent to the cattle and they will usually not attempt to cross
Cattle Herd Breakdown:
When an animal tests positive for TB in a herd that was previously clear of the disease. The whole herd is then subjected to stricter cattle control measures and more frequent tests for TB
Cattle Panel:
A very sturdy large gauge welded wire fence panel
Cattle Passport:
Compulsory identification document for all cattle to enable the recording of births, deaths, imports and the whereabouts of animals
Cattle Plague:
(see Rinderpest)
Cattle Raising:
An activity where a rancher buys weaned calves and stocks them on pasture until they reach a body weight of 350 – 380kg. From this point, the animal is called a ‘garrote’ or ‘boi margo’
Cattle Tick:
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a tick common to cattle
Cattle – Fax:
Non-profit marketing organisation governed by cattle producers. Market analysis and information is provided to members by a staff of market analysts
Cattlemen’s Beef Board:
Responsible for the management of the beef check off program, oversees the collection of $1 per head on domestic cattle as well as the equivalent on imported beef, beef products, and cattle
Caudal:
(1) Posterior;
(2) Toward, or near the tail
Caul Fat:
An industry term for fat that is deposited across the peritoneum which surrounds the stomach and abdominal visceral organs. This fat looks like lace
Causative:
Refers to an agent or event responsible for a condition or disease. Viruses and bacteria, for example, are causative agents of BRD
CBB:
(see Cattlemen’s Beef Board)
CCL – 44:
Bovine Turbinate Cells (American Type Culture Collection)
CDCB:
Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding
CE:
(see Calving Ease)
Cecum:
A blind pouch just distal to the small intestine and containing a large population of anaerobic bacteria that ferment complex carbohydrates
CED:
(see Daughters Calving Ease)
Cell:
The basic structure of all living things. It consists of a nucleus containing genetic material surrounded by cytoplasm. The nucleus and cytoplasm together are called protoplasm, which is surrounded by a plasma membrane
Cell Count:
White cells are the "soldiers" of the body. If there is an infection, the body produces more white blood cells in an effort to combat the invaders. When the herd’s milk is analysed in a laboratory and there are more white blood cells than normal, it indicates that the herd is infected with Mastitis
Cell Grazing:
Intensive time – controlled grazing where the rest period is long compared to the duration of grazing
Cell-mediated Immunity:
Immunity, which is dependent on the sensitisation of certain white blood cells, rather than antibodies
Cellulose:
A major component of the cell wall
Central Nervous System:
Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Central Test:
A comparison conducted at a single location where animals are assembled from several herds to evaluate differences in performance traits under uniform management conditions
Central Testing Station:
Locations with facilities to assemble animals from several herds to evaluate differences in post-weaning performance under uniform conditions
Centre for Veterinary Medicine (CVM):
An agency within the Food and Drug Administration that is responsible for assuring that all animal drugs, feeds (including pet foods), and veterinary devices are safe for animals, are properly labelled and produce no human health hazards when used in food-producing animals
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention:
The US agency charged with tracking and investigating public health trends. The stated mission of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly called the CDC, is "To promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability."
Centrifugal Separation:
Removal of one substance from another mechanically by centrifugal force, as with cream which is less dense than skim milk
Centripetal:
Moving or tending to move towards a centre (opposite of centrifugal)
Cephalosporin:
A broad-spectrum antibiotic
Cerebellum:
A region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control and co-ordination
Cerebrocortical Necrosis:
(see Polioencephalomacia)
Cerebrospinal Fluid:
Clear watery liquid which fills the space between arachnoid membrane and the pia meter
Cerebrum:
A region of the brain that controls emotional, behavioural and learning functions
Certification:
Procedure by which official certification bodies or officially recognised certification bodies provide written or equivalent assurance that foods or food control systems conform to requirements. Certification of food may be, as appropriate, based on a range of inspection activities which may include continuous on-line inspection, auditing of quality assurance systems, and examination of finished products
Certified Angus Beef (CAB):
The American Angus Association’s branded-beef program that identifies animals meeting live and carcass specifications from harvest through retail
Certified Grain Fed:
Cattle sold with a statutory declaration to verify 70 days minimum at a registered feedlot
Certified Organic Beef:
Beef certified by USDA as begin from cattle raised according to National Organic Program (NOP) standards, which require that cattle be fed 100% organic feed and are not given hormones or antibiotics for any reason. Sick animals cannot be denied treatment but those receiving antibiotics are not eligible for inclusion in the NOP
Cervical:
Of, toward, or pertaining to, the neck
Cervical Vertebrae:
Neck bones or vertebrae
Cervix:
The portion of the female reproductive tract, between the vagina and the uterus. It is usually sealed by thick mucus except when the female is in estrus or delivering young
Cestode:
Tapeworm
CF:
Complement Fixation
CFA:
Cast of age – a common term used to describe cows that have been culled from a herd because of old age
Chaff:
The husks of corn or other seeds
Chalk Sticks:
Used to mark treated, fresh, or special-needs cows
Channel Fat:
Adipose tissue located on the ventral side of thoracic vertebrae of beef chucks, beef ribs
Character:
Biological characteristics actually measured in selection programs for estimation of breeding values. These are the traits that comprise the selection criteria
Characteristic:
A physical or behavioural trait in an animal
Charging the Bunk:
A condition resulting from errors in bunk calls, feed delivery, or inclement weather. Cattle will rush the bunk when the feed truck comes because they are hungry. These cattle are likely to overeat resulting in problems such as acidosis and founder
Check Off:
(see beef check off program)
CHeCS:
An independent self-regulating body which sets standards for the control and eradication of four non-statutory diseases (Part 1) to which licensed participating health scheme must conform to
Cheese Curd:
The clumps of casein and other milk components that are formed during the cheese making process. These curds are then pressed into blocks or barrels for proper ageing and curing of the cheese
Chemical Score:
Content of each essential amino acid in a food protein is expressed as a percentage of the content of the same amino acid in the same quantity of a protein selected as a standard
Chemotherapy:
Treatment of cancer with drugs. The drugs used are slightly more toxic to cancer cells than healthy cells, so the cancer is treated without causing permanent damage
Chemotherapeutics:
Chemical agents used to prevent or treat diseases
Chilling temperature:
As a general rule, a chilling temperature is the temperature (10ºC) which beef should not fall below within 10 hours of slaughter. If these time/temperature conditions are observed, rigor mortis will advance sufficiently to avoid toughening the meat
Chimera:
Organism composed of two or more genetically different tissues from the same or different species
Chine Bones:
The split vertebrae, resulting from the longitudinal division of the carcass into sides
Chi-square:
A statistical test of goodness of fit of experimental data to expectation. Used in genetics to determine if an observed distribution of phenotypes conform to theoretical expectation, or to chance
Chlamydia spp:
A minor group of bacterial species in the BRD complex
CHLT:
Cattle Heat Load Toolbox
Cholesterol:
Essential body compound synthesised from fatty acids. A precursor to hormones and prostaglandins
Chorion:
The outermost layer of fetal membranes
Chorioptes:
Surface mites of on the skin surface
Chromosome:
Chromosomes are paired strands of DNA, with accompanying structural proteins, on which genes are located. Domestic cattle have 30 pairs of chromosomes, one chromosome of each pair having been inherited from each parent. One random chromosome of each pair is transmitted to each egg or sperm cell produced by a parent
Chronic:
Regular appearance of a symptom or situation
Chronic Disease:
One which develops slowly and usually lingers on for a long period of time with little change
Chronic Infection:
A cow with a SCC Score > 4 (200,000) on two or more consecutive test dates during the current lactation. Test dates with reported SCC score that are greater than 90 days apart are not considered consecutive when making the determination of chronic infections
Chronics:
Animals that have been treated two or probably more times but do not regain health or performance. No additional treatment is given to these animals because it would not be cost-effective
Chuck:
Wholesale cut (shoulder) of the beef carcass
Chuck Cover:
Common name for the trapezius muscle of the chuck
Chuck Tender:
Supraspinatus muscle. Commonly called mock tender, scotch tender, catfish, etc
Churning:
The process of stirring and agitating cream in the process of making butter. Churning causes the fat globules in cream to clump together and separate from the liquid
Chute Charge:
A fee charged by some feedlots each time cattle are worked through the chute
Chute Randomisation:
One method of assigning cows to test series in an unpredictable manner. The cows are bred to a rotating list of bulls as they come into estrus. Usually the method of choice used by contract breeders. Also, helps spread the calves by each sire over the season
Chutes:
Large metal apparatuses that are used to safely restrain cattle to administer vaccines and medication. Chutes can either be operated manually or by hydraulic power
Chyme:
The thick, liquid mixture of food that passes from the stomach to the small intestine
Chymotrypsin:
A milk-digesting enzyme secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine
CIDR:
Controlled internal drug release device. An intravaginal insert that releases progesterone by diffusion into the vagina. This device is used in the development of estrus synchronisation protocols
CIEP:
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis
CIF:
Cost, Insurance, Freight – the quoted price for the goods including freight and insurance costs delivered to final destination
Cilia:
Microscopic hair-like structures that line the upper respiratory tract. They trap pathogens which can then be eliminated from the body when the animal coughs
Ciliary:
Refers to the action of cilia
Cirrhosis:
A chronic disease of the liver whereby healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue
CJD:
(see Creutzfeldt – Jacob Disease)
CL:
Chemical Lean
Clarification:
The process of removing suspended material; in milk processing, clarification is achieved by centrifugal treatment which removes sediment (extraneous matter) and somatic cells
Class:
A group of animals categorised primarily by sex and age
Class 1 Milk:
The (theoretically) highest priced category in a classified pricing plan. Includes milk used in fluid whole milk and generally includes related fluid products. Milk products in this category are milk, skim milk, low-fat milk, milk drinks, half and half, and filled milk. A very similar classification is made under the federal milk marketing order system, where it is termed "class I"
Class 2 Milk:
An intermediate product category in the classified pricing plan. This pricing category includes cottage cheese (all types), fluid cream products, yoghurt, buttermilk and eggnog. Under federal milk marketing orders, it is termed class II and includes most of the above products as well as ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts
Class 3 Milk:
An intermediate product category in the classified pricing plan. This pricing category includes ice cream, ice cream mixes and other frozen dairy desserts. Under federal milk marketing orders, it is termed class II and includes all of the Class 2 products as well as the dairy desserts. In federal orders, Class III refers to a manufacturing product category that includes all cheeses except cottage cheese
Classification:
An appraisal program offered by a breed association to evaluate each animal's resemblance to the breed's ideal. A numerical score is assigned to each animal
Claws:
The two halves of a cloven hoof
Clean:
Means free of soil, food residue, dirt, grease, cleaning or sanitising agents or other objectionable matter
Clean Bunk Management:
Refers to the bunk management style in which cattle clean up all the feed offered every day. Feed call is increased if cattle have “slicked the bunk
Cleaning:
A practice that removes accumulated organic matter and dirt; may be followed by disinfection
Cleavage:
Division of the fertilised egg into smaller cells, or blastomeres
Cleft Palate:
Slight to moderate defect of the calf’s palate
Clinic:
Where patients are examined and treated
Clinical:
Symptoms are present, supportive therapy or treatment is necessary
Clinician:
A veterinarian in clinical practice as distinguished from a veterinarian in researching or teaching
Clippers:
Metal blades installed on clippers used for shearing animals. There are various brands and sizes for different
types of hair
Clitoris:
The ventral part of the vulva of the female reproductive tract that is homologous to the penis in the male. It is highly sensory
Clod Bone:
(see Arm Bone)
Clod Muscle:
A common name for the bicep brachii muscles which a cow uses to flex an elbow and to lock the elbow and shoulder in place when standing
Clone:
Any organism where genetic information is identical to that of a “mother organism” from which it was created
Cloning:
Cloning creates a genetic “twin” of another animal. A cloned animal has the same DNA as its parent, much like identical twins share the same DNA. Many types of animals have been cloned in the past 20 years. The process involves transferring genetic material from one animal to the egg of another, then implanting the embryo in a host female for conventional development and birth
Close:
The last traded price for the day, usually in respect of the futures market
Close Breeding:
Line breeding; mating of related animals
Closed Herd:
A herd in which no outside breeding stock (cattle) are introduced
Closed Side:
The right side of a beef carcass, the kidney and kidney knob fat are closely attached to the side
Close-Out:
A detailed description of pen performance, feed intake, death loss, and profit or loss. A close-out is generated each time a pen of cattle is sold. Can be calculated on a ‘deads-in’or ‘deads-out’ basis
Clostridial Disease:
Fatal disease of young cattle caused by one of the Clostridium bacteria
Clostridium Botulinum:
(see Botulism)
Club Foot:
An advanced case of foot rot where the foot and associated area of the leg is extremely enlarged
Cluster Throughput:
Number of cows that can be milked
cM (centiMorgan):
The unit of length to express locations on genes on chromosomes. One cM is approximately one million nucleotides long. The entire length of the DNA within a cattle cell is approximately 3000 cM.
A gene ranges from .001 - .005 cM in length. A cM corresponds to 1% recombination between loci
CMFS:
Calcium- and Magnesium-Free Saline
CMMS:
Cattle Movement Monitoring System
CNS:
Central Nervous System
CO 2 Stunning:
A method used to render an animal unconscious for slaughter. CO2 gas (at least 80% CO2) can be an effective alternative to electrical stunning. CO2 stunning can be a useful method of reducing or preventing blood splash. Sometimes referred to as controlled atmosphere stunning
Coagulopathy:
A defect in the body's mechanism for making blood clots
Coagulation:
To cause, protein to denature and form large globules
COC
Cumulus Oocyte Complex. Oocyte surrounded by cumulus cell layers
Coccidia:
A severe destructive invasion of the intestine by protozoan organisms (e.g., Cryptosporidium)
Coccidiosis:
A disease caused by microscopic, single-cell organisms called coccidia
Coccidiostat:
Any group of chemical agents mixed in feed or drinking water to control coccidiosis in animals. The coccidiostat inhibits the growth but does not kill the coccidia which are protozoan organisms such as Crytosporidium
Coccobacillus:
Type of Oval – shaped Bacterium
Coccygeal:
of, or pertaining to the vertebrae of the tail
Cocklebur:
Weed with sharp hooks, that stick to the hair of cattle
Cod:
Scrotal area of steer remaining after castration
Cod Fat:
Fat in the scrotum of steers. In the carcass, the fat is rough and irregular
Code of Practice:
The minimum requirements that have to be met in each case to achieve a certain accreditation
Code Set:
A set of codes or abbreviations to describe a characteristic such as E,U,R,O,P for carcass conformation
Codex:
Means the Codex Alimentarius Commission Joint Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/ World Health Organisation (WHO) Food Standards Programme
Coding Segment:
Part of a gene within a chromosome which specifies the production of a protein
Codon:
A specific three - base sequence in DNA that ultimately codes for a specific amino acid used in the building of a protein
Coefficient of Variation:
The coefficient of variation is the standard deviation divided by the mean. It is a unit less quantity indicating the variability around the mean in relation to the size of the mean
Coitus:
(see Service)
Cold Shortening:
Sarcomeres as part of the muscle fibre, shorten too rapidly during the chilling of the carcass, thus decreasing meat tenderness
Colic:
Severe pain in the abdomen caused by wind or obstruction
Colitis:
Inflammation of the large intestine (colon)
Collagen:
The main protein in skin, bone, cartilage, and connective tissue
Collapsed Udder:
An udder that has lost its firmness due to the central ligament not being able to support the udder
Collateral Relatives:
Relatives of an individual that are not its ancestors or its descendants. Brothers and sisters are an example of collateral relatives
Colligative Properties:
Properties which depend on the number of molecules in solution, a function of concentration and molecular weight, rather than just on the total percent concentration. Such properties include boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, and osmotic concentration
Colon:
Large intestine from the end of the ileum and beginning with the cecum to the anus
Colorado Branded:
Hides from cattle hot-iron branded on the ribs
Colostral:
Refers to colostrum, a dam’s first milk. In cattle health, the most common use of this word is in conjunction with antibodies – colostral antibodies, those received by a calf when it first suckles colostrum after birth
Colostrum:
The first milk, rich in antibodies – the calf’s first source of immunity
Coloured Cattle:
Cattle other than Holsteins. It usually denotes at least a majority of continental or British breeding
Coma:
A state of unconsciousness from which an animal cannot be awakened
Comatose:
Relating to, or in a state of coma
Combination Breed:
(see Composite Breed)
Combination Rollers:
Devices containing both quality and yield grade inserts
Come Back Up the Rope:
A practice or situation which will come back to haunt you. This phrase comes from roping cattle when they turn and come back towards the horse usually resulting in significant rodeo type manoeuvres
Come into Milk:
To begin lactating
Command and Control:
The approach to natural resource management where goals are achieved by active intervention and unending control as manipulation of the physical and biological components of a social – ecological system to produce a particular state and output indefinitely into the future. It invariably decreases system resilience by reducing the range of natural variation and adaptive capacity for the system to respond to disturbance
Commercial:
Can either deal with carcass grading or cattle registration
Carcass Grading
• Beef that is produced from older cattle and lacks tenderness of higher grades.
• These cuts require long, slow cooking with moist heat to make them more tender
Cattle Registration
• Livestock that are not registered or pedigreed by a registry association
Commercial Cow – Calf Operation:
Animals are not registered with herd / breed societies or associations and young steers and heifers are commonly sold shortly after weaning at six to eight months of age
Commercial Producers:
Producers whose primary goal is to produce animals for herd replacement, feeding, and slaughter rather than breeding stock for sale to other producers. Progressive commercial producers seek bulls or semen from seed stock breeders that have comprehensive programs designed to produce animals with optimum genetic merit for the combination of traits that increase efficiency and profit of their production system
Commingled Animals:
Animals having contact with animals of other species or other operations
Commingling:
Animals mingling close together, such as occurs during transportation and in crowded pens. It is an excellent opportunity for pathogens to be passed from one animal to another
Comminuted:
Reduction of meat particle size; usually by grinding, dicing, or chopping
Commissures:
Site of union of adjacent parts or cavities
Commodity Barn:
(see Commodity Storage)
Commodity Storage:
Usually, a steel framed shed that provides storage for commodity feeds, such as cottonseed, brewers grains, chopped hay, etc
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO):
The national government body for scientific research in Australia. It was founded in 1926 as the Advisory Council of Science and Industry
Company Cattle:
Cattle, which are owned and fed by the feedlot
Comparable Cows:
Similar sets of cows mated to bulls being evaluated to eliminate differences in cows from the difference between sire progeny averages
Comparative Analysis:
Comparison of the performance of a particular farm with some ‘standard’ level of performance. Also, known as Benchmarking
Compartmentalization:
The practice of defining subpopulations of animals, by management and husbandry practices related to biosecurity, for the purpose of disease control
Compensatory Gain:
Rapid, subsequent gain of cattle that have been nutritionally deprived for some portion of their life
Compensatory Growth:
(see Compensatory Gain)
Competent Person:
A person who can be shown to have sufficient experience, training and knowledge to perform the nominated function
Competition:
Level of activity between buyers to secure supply at a physical market
Complementarity:
The combining of breeds or individual animals that have characteristics that complement each other, thereby obtaining optimum progeny
Complement Fixation Test:
A serologic procedure to detect antibodies which combine with specific antigen in the presence of complement
Complementary DNA (cDNA):
A DNA copy made from RNA through reverse transcription
Complete Blood Count:
Set values of the cellular (formed elements) of blood. These measurements are generally determined by specially designed machines that analyse the different components of blood in less than a minute.
The values generally included are the following:
• White blood cell count (WBC). The number of white blood cells in a volume of blood. Normal range varies slightly between laboratories but is generally between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic millimetre (cmm). This can also be referred to as the leukocyte count and can be expressed in international units as 4.3 - 10.8 x 109 cells per litre.
• Automated white cell differential. A machine generated percentage of the different types of white blood cells, usually split into granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
• Red cell count (RBC). The number of red blood cells in a volume of blood. Normal range varies slightly between laboratories but is generally between 4.2 - 5.9 million cells/cmm. This can also be referred to as the erythrocyte count and can be expressed in international units as 4.2 - 5.9 x 1012 cells per litre
Completeness:
In a livestock judging contest, the contestants' ability to describe thoroughly the difference among animals in a group
Completion of Milking:
The time when milking of all animals intended to supply raw milk for consumption or further processing finishes
Complex Adaptive System:
A system whose components interact in ways that cause the system to adjust in response to changes in conditions
Complex Trait:
Traits that are affected by many genes and pathways
Complexus:
A muscle, which helps raise the head. It begins at the skull, extends medial to the splenius, and ends posterior to the scapula
Component:
The nutritional solids in milk other than water, like fat, protein, lactose, and minerals
Composite:
A breed resulting from the mating of two or more existing breeds, with animals then selected from within the progeny to continue the breed
Composite Breed:
A breed made up of combinations of other breeds
Composition:
Usually refers to the carcass composition of fat, lean, and bone
Compost:
The active process (piled, windrowed, turned, etc.) of controlled biological decomposition of bedding, manure, and waste to eliminate disease and produce a mature soil amendment. Provision of compost for retail packaging and sales typically meets this definition; piled or stored manure does not
Composting:
The method of using microbes to break down organic material such as manure and carcasses. The end product can be used for fertiliser or bedding
Composting Pad:
A concrete or hard packed surface that provides an area on which manure and discarded feed may be composted with ready access to aerate the composting materials
Compound Interest Rate:
The rate of interest used in compounding
Compounder
A 'feed compounder' or 'feed mill' that produces animal feed for sale. Usually, they produce a fixed specification feed using a blend of a variety of ingredients to produce the required specification at least cost using a computer program
Compounding:
The way a sum of money grows to a larger sum by adding interest, then reinvesting the larger sum to earn interest again, i.e. calculation of the equivalent future value of a present sum
Compounds:
Factory-prepared pellets or nuts manufactured from various ingredients including major minerals, trace elements, vitamins and other additives. The ingredients are mixed and blended in appropriate portions, designed to provide a balanced diet
Compudose:
Growth implant containing estradiol and progesterone
Computer:
Electronic machine which by means of stored instructions and information performs rapid, often complex, calculations or compiles, correlates, and selects data
Computerised Tomography Scan (CT Scan):
(see CT Scan)
ConAgra:
One of the three largest beef-packing companies
Conceive:
To become pregnant
Concentrate:
A feed which is high in energy and low in fibre, such as wheat or barley
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO):
Animal feeding operations with at least 1,000 animal units (1,000 head of cattle)
Conception:
The fertilisation of the ovum, or egg. The act of becoming pregnant
Conception Rate:
Conception rate is the proportion of cows bred in a herd or in a progeny group, which conceived or were pregnant at a defined stage of gestation (day or interval) or which calved (calving rate)
Conceptus:
The embryo in the womb especially during the early stages of pregnancy
Concurrent Infections:
When an animal may be infected with two or more infections at the same time
Condition Affecting Record (CAR):
Codes used to provide specific information about the cow’s record or the current milk weight or component test
Condition Score:
(see Body Condition Score)
Conditioning:
(see Backgrounding)
Conduction:
Heat transferred to cattle through direct contact with a hot surface
Confinement:
Livestock kept in corrals or housing for maximum year-round production. Facilities may be partial or complete, usually with a solid floor and enclosed, or covered
Confirmed Reactor:
Cattle who have tested positive for TB are called ‘reactors’ and are sent to slaughter where further tests look for visible ‘lesions’ in the body. If either lesions are found, or TB is successfully cultured, that reactor would be termed a confirmed reactor
Confiscation:
Seize or remove by authority
Conformation:
A description of the shape of body parts of the animal
Congenital:
A condition that was acquired during prenatal life and therefore exists at or dates from birth. The term is often used in the context of defects present at birth
Conjugated Linoleic Acid:
A polyunsaturated fatty acid found in beef and dairy products that health professionals believe has cancer-fighting properties
Conjunctiva:
The tissue lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the white of the eyes (sclera)
Conjunctivitis:
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
Connective Tissue:
A fibrous tissue that supports and connects other tissues of an animal body
Conservation Phase:
Phase of an adaptive cycle during which interactions among components of the system become more specialized and complex
Consignment:
The goods identified in one bill of lading
Constipation:
A condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass
Constitution:
The appearance of an animal in terms of how well (or poorly) it is doing and producing in the environment where it is kept. (A smooth, moulted and fertile animal in a good feeding condition will, for instance, signify a good constitution)
Consulting Nutritionist – Feed Company:
A nutritionist employed by a feed company who assists the feedlot with professional opinions on rations, supplements, feed additives and management practices. The feed company provides these services when the feedlot purchases supplements or other feed ingredients from the feed company
Consulting Nutritionist – Private:
A private nutritionist hired by the feedlot to give professional opinions on rations, supplements, feed additives and management practices. Usually paid on a retainer plus a per-head fee
Consulting Veterinarian:
A veterinarian hired by the feedlot to consult on animal health-related issues such as vaccines and treatments. Usually paid on a retainer plus a per-head fee
Contact Premises:
Premises with susceptible animals that may have been exposed to the Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) agent, either directly or indirectly, including but not limited to exposure to animals, animal products, fomites, or people from Infected Premises
Contagious Disease:
An infectious disease that can spread from one animal to another
Containment Vaccination Zone:
Emergency Vaccination Zone within the Control Area
Contaminant:
Any substance or thing which,
(a) is undesirable, potentially harmful, or unexpected in a particular product or process; and
(b) is or may be present in, or in contact with, animal material or animal product; and contaminated has a corresponding meaning
Contemporaries:
Group of animals of the same sex and breed (or similar breeding) that have been raised under similar environmental conditions (same management group)
Contemporary Comparison:
Method for estimating the transmitting ability of bulls and cows using information on contemporaries
Contemporary Group:
A group of cattle that are of the same breed and sex, are similar in age, and have been raised in the same management group (same location on the same feed and pasture). Contemporary groups should include as many cattle as can be accurately compared
Contiguous:
Sharing a common border; touching
Continental (European breeds):
Breeds originally developed on the continent of Europe. E.g. Simmental, Limousin and Charolais
Contingency Allowance:
Allowance included in budgets to cover unexpected costs
Continuous Grazing:
A method of grazing where animals have unrestricted access to an entire grazing unit throughout a large portion or all of a grazing season
Contract Growing:
Refers to forward selling contracts negotiated between a cattle producer and a buyer. Contracts are most frequently established with producers to supply feeder stock to feedlots, butchers or large supermarket chains
Contract Month:
The Month in which cash settlement or delivery is to be made in accordance with the futures contract
Contractile Proteins:
Actins and myosin, which form a thin and thick filament of skeletal muscle. These two proteins interact chemically to form actomyosin, which gives muscle the ability to contract and relax. Associated with actin are the proteins, troponin and tropomyosin
Control Area:
The area consisting of an Infected Zone and a Buffer Zone; established to ensure the rapid and effective containment of disease
Controlled Access Zone:
An area where access is controlled or managed, constituting the home quarter or headquarters, accessible through a controlled access point. Comparable context to the home quarter or headquarters of a beef cattle operation
Controlled Grazing:
Controlled grazing has sometimes been used erroneously to describe increased grazing management. The control imposed is a matter of level or degree and is better described in terms of grazing management and grazing methods
Controlled Internal Drug – Release Device:
Used for oestrous synchronisation. They are T – shaped devices with a silicon – coated nylon core. The silicon coating is impregnated with progesterone
Convection:
Heat transfer due to the movement of air around the animal
Convenience Marketing Strategy:
The targeting of market segments that are mainly concerned to acquire specific attributes of products
Conventional Livestock Handling:
Conventional livestock handling refers to human-centred, behaviourally-incorrect, physically-oriented methods of handling livestock that are often crude, coercive, and high stress
Convulsion:
A sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body, caused by involuntary contraction of muscles, usually associated with the presence of toxins
Cooler:
A room in packing plant where carcasses are chilled after slaughter and prior to processing
Cooler Shrink:
The weight that is lost during the initial chilling of the carcass. This is generally moisture loss
Coombs Antiglobulin Test:
A procedure to detect globulin antibodies in serum
Co-operative:
A form of business owned and controlled by the people who use its services, such as a milk marketing or processing cooperative
Co-operative Extension Service (CES):
The state, university and county educational outreach service of each state land-grant institution. This service extends the research results and educational programs of land-grant institutions to all the people in the state
Co-operative Research Centre (CRC):
An Australian federal government progress that funds key bodies for Australian scientific research. The CRC program was established in 1990 to enhance Australia’s industrial, commercial and economic growth through the development of sustained, user – driven , cooperative public – private research centres aimed at achieving high levels of outcomes in adoption and commercialism
Co-product:
Another description for by-product including hide and offal
Coprophagia:
The eating of faeces. Is considered normal behaviour in some species, such as rabbits. However, in other species coprophagy can be related to certain diseases or behavioural problems
Copulating:
(see Service)
Core Discipline:
An integrating body of knowledge. The discipline integrates knowledge from many disciplines into comprehensive understanding, analysis and explanation. The core discipline of economics makes it possible to understand. Analyse and explain the operation of a whole – farm system
Core Vaccine:
Vaccines which are strongly recommended, and sometimes even required
Corn Belt:
The area of the United States where corn is a principal cash crop, including Iowa, Indiana, most of Illinois, and parts of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Corn Condensed Distillers Solubles (CCDS):
A liquid by-product of the ethanol industry. It contains relatively high levels of protein and fat and can be used in feedlot diets to control dust and improve palatability
Corn Silage:
Whole green corn plants that have been chopped and fermented in an airtight silo
Corn Syrup:
(see Corn Condensed Distillers Solubles)
Cornea:
The clear front part of the eye
Coronary Band:
The band around the hoof comprising the germinal epithelium of the horn of the hoof
Coronavirus:
One of a group of viruses that have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under a microscope. These viruses are a common cause of mild to moderate upper-respiratory illness in humans and are associated with respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and neurological disease in animals
Coronitis:
Inflammation of the skin at the coronet of the hooves
Corpus Albicans:
A structure which develops from the corpus luteum if pregnancy is not established
Corpus Luteum:
A yellowish mass of luteal tissue on the ovary formed by an ovarian follicle that has matured and discharged its ovum. If fertilisation occurs, the CL persists for several months, secreting progesterone. If fertilisation does not occur, the CL degenerates
Corrective Action:
Action taken to rectify, eliminate the causes of, and prevent recurrence of any problem/failure/non-compliance identified in a plan, procedure, process, product, programme, or system
Correlated Selection Response:
Correlated response to selection is the change that occurs in one or more traits as some other trait is subjected to directional selection. It occurs when some of the same genes affect the direct and correlated traits simultaneously, a phenomenon known as pleiotropy. Correlated responses may be beneficial, neutral or harmful, depending on the biology and economic impact of the traits in question
Correlation:
(see Genetic Correlation)
Correlation Coefficient:
A measure of how two traits vary together. A correlation of +1.00 means that two traits will move in the same direction (either increase or decrease). A correlation of -1.00 means that as one trait increases the other decreases--a perfect negative, or inverse, relationship. A correlation of 0.00 means that as one trait increases, the other may increase or decrease--no consistent relationship. Correlation coefficients may vary between +1.00 and -1.00
Corticosteriod:
Any of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland or their synthetic equivalents
Cost and Freight:
Refers to the quoted price for the goods, including freight to the delivery point, but not insurance
Cost Price Squeeze:
The phenomenon of farmers’ real cost for their inputs rising and prices they receive for their products being static, falling or raising at a slower rate than real costs. It means farmers have to increase their productivity to remain profitable
Cost Leadership:
(see Fair Deal Marketing Strategy)
Cost of Gain:
Total of all feedlot-related costs (feed, yardage, processing, medicine, death loss) divided by total gain during the feeding period
Costal Cartilage:
Cartilage that attaches the distal end of the rib to the sternum
Cotyledon:
The area where the placenta and the uterine lining are in close association such that nutrients can pass to and wastes can pass from the circulation of the developing young. Sometimes referred to as button
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis:
A laboratory technique used to evaluate the binding of an antibody to its antigen. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis is similar to immunodiffusion, but with the addition of an applied electrical field across the diffusion medium, usually an agar or polyacrylamide gel. The effect is rapid migration of the antibody and antigen out of their respective wells towards one another to form a line of precipitation, or a precipitin line, indicating binding
Country Specific Tariff Quota:
The tariff quotas relating to the import of dairy produce into the European Communities that specify New Zealand as the country of origin, namely: the tariff quota for butter of New Zealand origin; the tariff quota for cheddar cheese of New Zealand origin; and tariff quota for cheese for processing of New Zealand origin
Coupling:
(see Service)
Covariance:
The covariance between x and y, sometimes written as Cov(x,y). It is a measure of how two variables vary together. The covariance is used to calculate correlation and regression coefficients
Cover:
(see Service)
Coverall:
A brand name, but commonly referring to any of a group of hoop type barns with opaque or mylar fabric covers over a tubular steel frame
Cow:
A female bovine animal
Cow Day:
Each day a cow is in a herd
Cow Month:
The accumulation of the number of days each cow was in the herd during the test interval
Cow Trainer:
A tin or wire structure supported a few inches above a cow to prevent her from soiling the platform of her stall by administering a gentle electric shock if she arches her back to urinate or defecate while too far forward in the stall
Cow-calf Operation:
A management unit that maintains a breeding herd and produces weaned calves
Cow-hocked:
A condition of a cow in which the hocks are close together and the fetlocks (located just above the hoof) wide apart
Cows Not Diagnosed Pregnant:
A list of cows that are bred but not confirmed pregnant, usually accompanied with a date to preg check. This date is calculated by bred date plus days to preg check
Cows Open:
A list of cows that are confirmed open or that have not been bred since calving. The list is usually accompanied with a breeding date designation. This is based on calving date plus voluntary waiting period
Cows to Calve:
A list of cows that are due to calve within the next 60 days or within a period designated by the herd’s option
Cows to Turn Dry:
A list of cows that should be dried off during the next 60 days or within a period designated by the herd’s option
Cowsense:
The knowledge or perception of what livestock will do under certain circumstances. Modern cowsense is more often perceived as knowing all the rotten things cows will do when handled the usual way
Cowshed:
Traditional housing for dairy cattle in stalls
CP:
(see Crude Protein)
Crampiness:
A condition among cattle, especially bulls in confinement, in which involuntary contractions of muscles of the hind legs result in pain and discomfort. Affected animals shift from foot to foot
Cranial:
Toward the head or front
Crate:
An elevated stall for a calf in an indoor facility
Crater:
Similar to wreck, used as in “This pen has cratered on us”
CRC:
(see Co-operative Research Centre)
Cream:
Milk is separated by large machines in bulk. Cream is a high-fat milk product separated from milk. The cream is processed and used to produce various products with varying names, such as “heavy cream” or “whipped cream”. Cream contains at least 18% milk fat. Some cream is dried and powdered and some is condensed by evaporation and canned
Creamery:
A butter factory or, more commonly, a milk processing plant
Creatinine:
A compound which is produced by metabolism of creatine and excreted in the urine
Creep:
An enclosure where calves can enter to obtain feed but cows cannot enter. This process is called creep feeding
Creep Feeding:
The practice of providing supplemental nutrients to nursing calves. This is typically done through the use of gates or enclosures which allow the calf to enter an area where the feeder is located but not the cow
Creep Grazing:
The practice of allowing calves to graze areas that cows, with a lower nutritional requirement, cannot access
Crestar:
Ear implant used to release progesterone into the cow. Heat is synchronised on removal
Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD):
It is a human disease of a class of rare degenerative brain diseases called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE), some of which affect humans and some of which affect animals. While the agents which cause CJD are poorly understood, CJD occurs spontaneously at a consistent rate worldwide of one case per million persons per year
Crimp:
Natural waviness along the length of an individual fibre or lock of fleece that allows it to stretch and then spring back into shape
Critical Control Point (CCP):
A step in a process at which a control can be applied which is essential to prevent, eliminate, or reduce a food safety hazard to an acceptable level
Critical Limit:
A criterion which separates acceptability from unacceptability, and includes acceptable parameters
Critters:
Often in speaking of cows or horses a cowboy calls them a "Critter”
Crop – Livestock System:
Farms that both crop and breed and grow livestock
Cross Rib Roast:
A cut from the arm portion of the beef chuck which contains the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ribs
Crossbred:
Animal produced from crossing two breeds
Crossbreeding:
The mating of animals of different breeds or subspecies, frequently resulting in heterosis (hybrid vigour) for many economically important traits
Crossing Over:
A reciprocal exchange of DNA segments between members of a pair of chromosomes
Crowd Gate:
A motorised or manual gate at the end of the holding pen that may be moved forward to guide cows toward the entrance to the milking parlour
Crowding Pen:
(see Crowding Gate)
Crude Fibre:
The structural part of a plant which is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and other polysaccharides (sugars). Stems, roots and leaves are high and grain kernels are low in crude fibre content
Crude Protein (CP):
A measure of dietary protein that is based on the assumption that the average amino acid in a protein contains 16 percent nitrogen. Thus, total chemically determined nitrogen × 6.25 (100 ÷ 16) = crude protein
Cryogenic Freezing:
A refrigeration system, which uses condensed gases such as liquid nitrogen and liquid carbon dioxide as the refrigerant. It is the fastest method of freezing meat
Cryotherapy:
Treatment of a lesion by freezing of affected tissue
Cryptochidism:
The retention of one or both testicles in the abdominal cavity in animals that typically have the testicles hanging in a scrotal sac
C – Section:
(see Caesarean Section)
CSIRO:
(see Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)
CT Scan:
Also called computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside the animals body
Cubed Meat:
Meat which has been tenderised by a machine with two sets of sharp pointed discs which score or cut the product without tearing
Cubicles
Individual partitions within a cattle shed. The partitions are not separated by barriers, the lying areas are separated by barriers where cows can lie inside buildings. They differ from stalls in that the animal is not fastened in the stall and can come and go as it pleases
Cud:
The partially digested food that is regurgitated from the first compartment of the cow’s stomach into the mouth to be chewed again. A cow may spend seven hours a day consuming food and an additional 10 hours a day chewing her cud
Cudding:
(see Ruminating)
Cull:
To remove a cow from the herd. Culling reasons include voluntary culling of cows for low milk production, or involuntary culling of cows for reasons of health or injury
Cull Cow:
Cow of any age but usually old and culled from the herd for age or disease
Cull Value Production Level:
Test day value of product that is 60% of the current month’s herd average test-day value product
Culled for Age:
A reject old animal that is past its economic life for particular conditions
Culling:
The process of eliminating less productive or less desirable individuals from a herd
Culling Rate:
The % of cows that are removed from a herd
Culotte:
An industry term for the biceps femoris portion of the top sirloin butt
Cultivated Pastures:
An area of prepared land seeded with productive forage species for the grazing of livestock or hay making
Culture:
In microbiology, a population of microorganisms in a growth medium or the act of growing bacteria in media for identification. A pure culture contains only organisms that initially arose from a single cell. Cultures are used in manufacturing cultured dairy products and most cheeses
Culture Medium:
Artificial medium (salt solution) for the development of embryos, tissues, etc
Cumulus Cell:
Cells surrounding the oocyte. They are required for fertilisation
Curb:
A hard swelling that occurs just below the point of the hock
Curd:
The clumps of protein and other milk components that are formed during the process cheese making. Curds are pressed into blocks or barrels for proper ageing and curing of the cheese
Cured:
Meat products which have been infused with solutions to enhance flavour, colour, and to preserve the product's shelf life
Current Actual Calving Interval:
Calculated for cows with more than one calving. The interval is expressed in months and is calculated as [(Number of days between last calvings) / 30.4]
Currentness:
Marketing term indicating how feedlots market fed cattle. If current, then feedlots market cattle on schedule. If feedlots are not current, then a backlog of cattle usually results—these market cattle on schedule. If feedlots are not current, then backlog of cattle usually lower prices
Curry Comb:
A type of comb used to remove mud and other dirt from an animal’s hair coat
Cushing’s Disease:
A condition where abnormalities in either the pituitary gland or adrenal glands cause the release of too much natural cortisone (corticosteroid)
Custom Feeding:
Cattle feeders that provide facilities, labour, feed, and care as a service but they do not own the cattle
Custom Feeding Service:
A service provided by feedlots to producers. Producers can pay to have their cattle 'finished' on grain before they are sold
Custom Feedyard:
A feedyard which feeds, manages, and markets cattle for customers. Fees are charged for materials and services
Customer Cattle:
These are cattle that are owned by an investor, rancher, or another client of the feedlot and fed and managed for a fee
Customers:
Entities that buy the output of a business. Targeting a market includes identifying potential customers who will pay the business for attributes the business can control in a product
Cut:
A specific segment of meat
Cut a Circle:
A cow boss will describe an area such as a portion of a ranch from which you will gather cattle or ride to check on land and animals
Cut Off Their Heads:
Send the cattle to Slaughter
Cutability:
(see Yield grade)
Cutaneous:
Relating to, or affecting the skin
Cutaneous Muscle:
(see Cutaneous Trunci)
Cutaneous Trunci:
A relatively thin muscle near the skin in the live animal. It begins on the shoulder and ends in the flank where it is much thicker. The cutaneous trunci on the beef shoulder is commonly called the Shoulder Rose. The flank portion is commonly called Elephant Ears
Cutting Chute:
Narrow chute, where cattle go through in single file, with gates such that selected animals can be diverted into pens alongside the chute; also referred to as a sorting chute
CVERA:
Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis
CVRL:
Central Veterinary Research Laboratory
CWE:
(see Carcass Week Equivalent)
CWT:
Abbreviation for the term per hundredweight (100 lb)
CWT Price:
Carcass Weight Price - the price of a live animal expressed in carcass weight or the price of the animals carcass (per kilogram)
Cyanosis:
The appearance of a blue or purple colouration of the skin or mucous membrane due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen
Cycling:
Infers that non-pregnant females have active estrous cycles
Cypher:
The quantity of product produced according to one product purchasing specification in one production plant during a single manufacturing run
Cyst:
A pathologic space in bone or soft tissue containing fluid or semi-solid material
Cysticercus:
Infective stage of a Taenia Tapeworm, consisting of a fluid-filled bladder with a single scolex on its inner wall. When found in the muscles of livestock, these small bladders cause the mottled appearance term “measles” in meat
Cystitis:
Inflammation of the urinary bladder
Cytology:
Refers to a branch of pathology that deals with making diagnoses of diseases based on the examination of cells
Cytopathic:
The ability of a virus to kill cells in tissue culture in the laboratory
Cytopathic Effect (CPE):
Visible damage sustained by biological cells as a result of, for example, infection with and subsequent replication of a virus
Cytoplasm:
Living substance of cells minus the nucleus