Master the JFHMS Quality Assurance Challenge 2026 – Ace It and Raise Your Standards!

The correct answer is energy, as the energy requirements of cattle are influenced significantly by several factors, including frame size, body condition score (BCS), stage of production, and environmental conditions.

Cattle with larger frame sizes generally require more energy to support their greater muscle mass and bone structure compared to smaller-framed cattle. Additionally, the BCS, which indicates the amount of fat cover on a cattle animal, affects their energy needs—animals with a lower BCS require more energy to regain weight and condition, while those with a higher BCS may require less.

The stage of production also plays a critical role; for instance, pregnant or lactating cows have increased energy needs to support fetal development and milk production, respectively. Finally, environmental factors, such as temperature and the availability of forage also affect energy metabolism. In cold conditions, cattle expend more energy to maintain body heat, while in hot weather, they may need energy to cope with heat stress.

While protein, vitamins, and minerals are essential for overall health and performance in cattle, their specific requirements are generally more stable and not as widely variable compared to energy, which fluctuates significantly based on the factors mentioned.