American Registry of Professional Animal
Scientists (ARPAS) - Beef Cattle Specialist Exam
Practice
1. Which of the following volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is primarily produced when
high-concentrate diets are fed to beef cattle, and serves as the main precursor
for gluconeogenesis?
• A. Propionate
• B. Acetate
• C. Butyrate
• D. Lactate
Answer: A
Explanation: Propionate is the glucogenic VFA produced during fermentation of starches.
Acetate is more associated with fiber digestion.
2. In a beef cow synchronization protocol using a CIDR, what is the primary
function of the Progesterone released by the device?
• A. To induce ovulation of the dominant follicle
• B. To lyse the existing Corpus Luteum
• C. To suppress the release of GnRH and prevent estrus
• D. To stimulate FSH production
Answer: C
Explanation: Progesterone from the CIDR acts as an artificial Corpus Luteum, suppressing
GnRH and preventing the cow from coming into heat until the device is removed.
3. Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is increasingly used as a measure of feed efficiency.
What does a negative RFI value indicate?
• A. An animal that consumed more feed than predicted for its weight and gain
• B. An animal that consumed less feed than predicted for its weight and gain
• C. An animal with poor digestive efficiency
• D. An animal that lost weight during the trial
Answer: B
Explanation: Negative RFI means the animal is more efficient, requiring less feed than
expected based on its metabolic body size and performance.
, 4. A Persistently Infected (PI) calf with Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) virus is
typically created during which stage of gestation?
• A. Days 0 to 40
• B. Days 150 to 200
• C. Days 40 to 120
• D. The last trimester
Answer: C
Explanation: BVD PI calves occur when the dam is infected between 40 and 120 days of
gestation, before the fetal immune system can recognize the virus as foreign.
5. According to the Net Energy system, which value is typically lower for a
specific feedstuff?
• A. Net Energy for Maintenance (NEm)
• B. Net Energy for Gain (NEg)
• C. Metabolizable Energy (ME)
• D. Digestible Energy (DE)
Answer: B
Explanation: The efficiency of using energy for tissue gain is lower than for maintenance,
making NEg values lower than NEm for the same feed.
6. Tall Fescue toxicosis in beef cattle is caused by an alkaloid produced by an
endophytic fungus. What is the primary alkaloid responsible?
• A. Lolitrem B
• B. Gossypol
• C. Ergovaline
• D. Slaframine
Answer: C
Explanation: Ergovaline is the primary ergot alkaloid in endophyte-infected tall fescue
that causes vasoconstriction and heat stress symptoms.
7. What is the primary site of absorption for Magnesium in the adult ruminant?
• A. Duodenum
• B. Reticulo-rumen
• C. Small Intestine
• D. Abomasum
Answer: B
Explanation: Unlike most other minerals absorbed in the small intestine, magnesium is
primarily absorbed across the rumen wall in adult cattle.
Scientists (ARPAS) - Beef Cattle Specialist Exam
Practice
1. Which of the following volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is primarily produced when
high-concentrate diets are fed to beef cattle, and serves as the main precursor
for gluconeogenesis?
• A. Propionate
• B. Acetate
• C. Butyrate
• D. Lactate
Answer: A
Explanation: Propionate is the glucogenic VFA produced during fermentation of starches.
Acetate is more associated with fiber digestion.
2. In a beef cow synchronization protocol using a CIDR, what is the primary
function of the Progesterone released by the device?
• A. To induce ovulation of the dominant follicle
• B. To lyse the existing Corpus Luteum
• C. To suppress the release of GnRH and prevent estrus
• D. To stimulate FSH production
Answer: C
Explanation: Progesterone from the CIDR acts as an artificial Corpus Luteum, suppressing
GnRH and preventing the cow from coming into heat until the device is removed.
3. Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is increasingly used as a measure of feed efficiency.
What does a negative RFI value indicate?
• A. An animal that consumed more feed than predicted for its weight and gain
• B. An animal that consumed less feed than predicted for its weight and gain
• C. An animal with poor digestive efficiency
• D. An animal that lost weight during the trial
Answer: B
Explanation: Negative RFI means the animal is more efficient, requiring less feed than
expected based on its metabolic body size and performance.
, 4. A Persistently Infected (PI) calf with Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) virus is
typically created during which stage of gestation?
• A. Days 0 to 40
• B. Days 150 to 200
• C. Days 40 to 120
• D. The last trimester
Answer: C
Explanation: BVD PI calves occur when the dam is infected between 40 and 120 days of
gestation, before the fetal immune system can recognize the virus as foreign.
5. According to the Net Energy system, which value is typically lower for a
specific feedstuff?
• A. Net Energy for Maintenance (NEm)
• B. Net Energy for Gain (NEg)
• C. Metabolizable Energy (ME)
• D. Digestible Energy (DE)
Answer: B
Explanation: The efficiency of using energy for tissue gain is lower than for maintenance,
making NEg values lower than NEm for the same feed.
6. Tall Fescue toxicosis in beef cattle is caused by an alkaloid produced by an
endophytic fungus. What is the primary alkaloid responsible?
• A. Lolitrem B
• B. Gossypol
• C. Ergovaline
• D. Slaframine
Answer: C
Explanation: Ergovaline is the primary ergot alkaloid in endophyte-infected tall fescue
that causes vasoconstriction and heat stress symptoms.
7. What is the primary site of absorption for Magnesium in the adult ruminant?
• A. Duodenum
• B. Reticulo-rumen
• C. Small Intestine
• D. Abomasum
Answer: B
Explanation: Unlike most other minerals absorbed in the small intestine, magnesium is
primarily absorbed across the rumen wall in adult cattle.
