Enhance your skills in livestock judging with the Texas FFA Livestock Judging Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Ace your exam!

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Cattle can generally lose from 1 to 5 percent of their weight when transported. What is this phenomenon called?

  1. Weight loss

  2. Shrinkage

  3. Dehydration

  4. Transport loss

The correct answer is: Shrinkage

The phenomenon where cattle lose 1 to 5 percent of their weight during transportation is known as shrinkage. This term specifically refers to the temporary reduction in weight that livestock experience due to factors such as stress, reduced feed intake, and water loss during transit. Shrinkage is important to understand in livestock management because it affects the overall economic value of the animals being transported. This loss can influence decisions regarding the timing and methods of transportation to minimize stress and optimize animal welfare, thereby aiming to reduce the degree of shrinkage.