Instructional Plan

Instructor: Brittany Wright

Course: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Unit: Breeds of Cattle
TEKS:
Lesson Title: Breeds of Cattle
Estimated Time: Approximately 2 Days
Objectives
After Completion of this unit of instruction, the students will:
A.
B.
C.

List the breeds of Cattle;

Describe the breeds of Cattle; and
Label the physiological parts of Cattle.

Materials, Supplies, Equipment, References, and Other Resources:

Projector, Computer, Dry Erase Board and Markers
References:
Breeds - Beef Shorthorn. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2015, from
http://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/beef/16/beef-shorthorn/overview/
(n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2015, from http://www.cattle.com/articles/title/Simmental Cattle.aspx
Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2015, from
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/cattle/brahman/
Cattlemens Young Leaders. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2015, from
http://farmingwithaflare.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

Interest Approach (Motivation):

A short power point over how we use cattle. Also get them to discuss in groups any cattle they might
know and write down together.

Instructor Directions /
Materials
A1. Ask what breeds they know

Content Outline, Instructional Procedures, application and/or

Key Questions
A.

A2. Write any breeds they say

onto the boardpossibly put
them into their intended show
categories.
B1. Next to each breed listed
have them write out the
description such as physical
characteristics.

B.

List the breeds of Cattle;

9
9 -Shorthorn
9 -Simmental
9 -Brahman
9
Describe the breeds of Cattle; and
-Shorthorn: Red, White, or Roan in color; British Breed
Physical Description: Shorthorns are three colors: white,
roan and red, which may be solid red or have white
markings. Solid red Shorthorns are often used to help
maintain solid colors in crosses. The whites and roans can
be used on black cattle to get both blues and blacks. They
can be horned or polled. The Shorthorn possesses a
moderate frame with a rectangular low set body, with wide
back and deep, wide forequarters.
Defining Characteristics: Cows are economical assets
having high fertility rates, early maturation, sufficient milk,
and being overall good mothers. Shorthorn cross females
calve unassisted 98% of the time. Their calves are hardy,
reaching excellent weaning and yearling weights. The
Shorthorn brings with it high marbling traits and the ability
to cross well with just about any breed. Specifically,
crossbreeding with Shorthorn cattle offers increased
calving ease, docility, fertility, growth and carcass quality.
Shorthorns are known to mostly calve easily and be mild
tempered cattle.

-Simmental: Blonde to Red in color; Exotic Breed

They are rugged animals of substantial bone. Ultimately
large in size, it may come as a surprise that Simmentals
are exceptionally easy calvers. Though they have low birth
weights, they have fast growth rates. Cows are excellent

Instructor Directions /
Materials

Content Outline, Instructional Procedures, application and/or

Key Questions
mothers and have very long production cycles. Cows and
bulls reach sexual maturity early, in contrast to other
Continental breeds that may take longer to develop.
Though their milking abilities have not been selected for,
the Simmental continues to be an above average milker.
Their economic benefits to beef breeders are almost
unsurpassed by any other breed. They are of renowned
docility, and have excellent weight gaining abilities. The
carcass yield is very good, with meat grading high.
Simmental beef is tender and highly palatable.

-Brahman: Grey to Red in color; American Breed

Physical Characteristics:
The disposition of Brahman cattle is often questioned. Brahmans are
intelligent, inquisitive and shy. They are unusually thrifty, hardy and
adaptable to a wide range of feed and climate. However, these
characteristics also suggest careful, kind handling methods.
Brahmans like affection and can become very docile. They quickly
respond to handling they receive, good or bad. Well bred, wisely
selected and properly treated Brahmans are as easily handled as
other breeds.
Brahmans very in color from very light grey or red to almost black. A
majority of the breed are light to medium grey. Mature bulls are
normally darker than cows and usually have dark areas on the neck,
shoulders and lower thighs.

Instructor Directions /
Materials

C1. Discuss the drawing by

going over the different parts

Content Outline, Instructional Procedures, application and/or

Key Questions

C.

Label the
physiological
parts of Cattle.

C2. Have students fill in a

blank copy

Evaluation:
Objectives will be reviewed before examinations. Exams will be developed based on objectives as
taught in class.