ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

Which stage of cow's life significantly impacts its feed intake and nutritional requirements?

1. Calving

2. Breeding

3. Gestation

4. Grow-out

The correct answer is: Gestation

The stage of gestation is critical for a cow's feed intake and nutritional requirements due to the significant physiological changes that occur during this period. As the cow's body prepares to support the developing fetus, her energy and nutrient needs increase substantially. Proper nutrition during gestation is crucial not only for the health of the cow but also for fetal development. During this phase, the cow requires increased amounts of protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy to support growth and development of the offspring, particularly in the later stages of gestation when the fetus is growing rapidly. Inadequate nutrition during this time can lead to complications such as smaller calves at birth, poor calf vigor, and long-term impacts on the calf's growth and health. Other stages such as calving, breeding, and grow-out also involve significant nutritional considerations, but it is during gestation that the external factors dramatically influence both the cow and the developing calf’s requirements the most. Thus, understanding the nutritional nuances during gestation is crucial for optimal management practices in beef and dairy production.