Question
Heifers usually reach optimal fat cover 100 pounds earlier than steers. True False
Answer
4.1
(231 Votes)
Philipp
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
To answer this question, we need to understand the terms and the context of the statement.Heifers are young female cattle that have not yet borne calves. Steers are castrated male cattle. Both are raised for beef production, and the rate at which they reach optimal fat cover can be influenced by their sex due to differences in growth patterns and hormonal influences.Optimal fat cover refers to the amount of fat an animal has that is considered ideal for meat production. It is a balance between having enough fat for the meat to be flavorful and tender, but not so much that it reduces the yield of lean meat or becomes a waste during processing.The statement "Heifers usually reach optimal fat cover 100 pounds earlier than steers" suggests that heifers typically reach the desired level of fat cover at a lighter body weight compared to steers.In general, heifers do tend to fatten more easily and could reach optimal fat cover at a lighter weight than steers. This is because heifers naturally have a higher body fat percentage than steers. Steers, on the other hand, tend to grow more muscle before they begin to lay down significant amounts of fat.Given this understanding, the statement is likely to be:**True** - Heifers usually reach optimal fat cover 100 pounds earlier than steers, due to their tendency to fatten more easily.