Dairy Cows Dairy cows are specific breeds of cattle that are raised to produce milk. - PowerPoint Presentation

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Dairy CowsDairy cows are specific breeds of cattle that are raised to produce milk. Here are a few traits that can be found in dairy cattle:Behavior: Dairy cows live in close proximity to humans who feed them, milk them, and provide for their needs. Farmers prefer dairy cattle that are calm and easy to handle. This trait is acquired through the training and experience of the cows from the time they are young and is also influenced by genetics. Milk Production: The amount of milk a dairy cow produces is heavily influenced by their genetics. It is an inherited trait. It can also influenced by their environment and the quality of their feed.Coat Color: The most common breed of dairy cattle is the Holstein. Holsteins are typically black and white. However, they can also be red and white, which is a recessive trait that is inherited. Can you find more traits in dairy cows? 

Beef Cows

Beef cows are specific breeds of cattle that are raised to produce meat. Here are a few traits that can be found in beef cattle:

Polled or horned:

The term “polled” refers to cattle who naturally do not have horns. This is an inherited trait. Some ranchers prefer polled cattle.

Rate of growth:

It is ideal for beef cattle to grow quickly and efficiently. This trait is both inherited and acquired. Some cattle have the genetic makeup to grow quickly and can pass this trait on to their offspring. An animal’s environment and quality of feed also affects its rate of growth.

Coat color:

Beef cattle can be red, black, white, gray, or even a mixture of white and another color. Coat color is an inherited trait.

Can you find more traits in beef cattle?

PigsPigs are raised to produce meat. Pigs provide us with bacon, sausage, pork chops, and ham. Here are a few traits that can be found in pigs:Color: Pigs can be white, black, red, or spotted. The color of a pig’s skin is an inherited trait. Rate of growth: It is ideal for pigs to grow quickly and efficiently. This trait is both inherited and acquired. Some pigs have the genetic makeup to grow quickly, and they pass this trait on to their offspring. The quality of the animal’s feed and environment can also effect its growth rate.Litter Size: A sow (mother pig) typically has between 8 and 12 piglets per litter, although some litters can be bigger or smaller. This trait is inherited. A sow’s genetics determine if she is more likely to have a large or a small litter. She can pass this trait on to her female offspring.Can you find more traits in pigs? 

Sheep

Sheep are raised primarily for meat and for wool which is used to make fabrics and yarns. Here are a few traits that can be found in sheep:

Wool and Hair Color:

Sheep have wool on their bodies and hair on their face and legs. The wool is sheared from the sheep each year and used to make yarn and fabric. Sheep with black hair on their face and legs can contaminate the white wool, so some sheep ranchers prefer white-faced sheep over black-faced sheep. The color of a sheep’s hair and wool is an inherited trait.

Number of Lambs:

A ewe (mother sheep) typically has one to three lambs at a time.

W

hether a ewe has a single lamb, twins, or triplets is an inherited trait that is also affected by the environment and the ewe’s nutrition.

Wool Quality:

The quality of wool is determined by how long the fibers are as well as how coarse or fine the wool is. Wool quality is an inherited trait.

Can you find any more traits in sheep?

GoatsGoats are raised primarily for meat and milk. Here are a few traits that can be found in goats:Litter Size: Similar to sheep, a doe (female goat) typically gives birth to one to three kids at a time. The likelihood that the doe will have a single baby, twins, or triplets is an inherited trait that is also affected by the doe’s nutrition and environment.Milk Production: The amount of milk a goat produces is an inherited trait. Similar to cows, dairy breeds of goats have the genetics for high levels of milk production. The diet and nutrition the goat receives while producing milk also play a role.Coat Color: Goats come in many solid colors as well as color patterns. The color of a goat’s coat is an inherited trait.Can you find any more traits in goats? 

Laying Hens

Laying hens are female chickens raised for the eggs they produce. Here are a few traits that can be found in laying hens:

Eggshell Color:

Different breeds of chickens lay different colors of eggs. Some are white, brown, speckled, or even a light shade of green. The color of a chicken’s eggs is an inherited trait.

Egg Production:

Chickens can lay a maximum of one egg per day, but some chickens only lay an egg every two or three days. The number of eggs a chicken produces per week or month is an inherited trait. Some breeds of chickens produce more eggs than others. Environment and nutrition also play a role.

Feather color and texture

: Chickens can be many colors. They can also have feathers that are smooth or feathers that are fluffy. These traits are inherited.

Can you find any more traits in chickens?

Broiler ChickensBroiler chickens are those that are raised to produce meat. Here are a few traits that can be found in broiler chickens:Feather Color: Chickens can be many colors. They can also have feathers that are smooth or feathers that are fluffy. These traits are inherited. Rate of growth: Broiler chickens grow to mature size in less than two months. Different breeds of chickens grow more quickly than others. Rate of growth is an inherited trait, but it is also influenced by the environment and quality of feed.Size: The mature size of a chicken is an inherited trait. Some breeds of chicken are small and others are large when they reach full maturity.Can you find any more traits? 

Horses

Horses are used by ranchers to herd cows and sheep. Horses are also raised for recreational use and for racing. Traits of horses include:

Coat Color:

Horses come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The color of a horse’s coat is an inherited trait.

Adult Size:

Horses range in size. Miniature horses are less than three feet tall and draft horses can be six feet tall. Adult size of a horse is an inherited trait.

Athletic Ability:

Horses can inherit some of their athletic abilities from their parents, but this trait is also acquired through training and conditioning.

Can you find any more traits?