pros and cons of cattle breeds
You can start with your own beef cattle raising process, with a small cattle herd, and look after them by using various strategic plans and operations. You may want to consider a breed that produces less milk such as a Scottish Highland cattle which will produce around 2 gallons per day. Cattle WebHistory. You also wont experience many issues with birthing. Farmers like them for their obedience. Four-time author Michelle Lindsey owns and operates Homestead on the Range, an independent publisher dedicated to helping Kansans and others around flyover country achieve an abundant country lifestyle. VIDEO: Competition breeds sustainability. Uncovering why natural gas is essential to our lives! Then, these calves are weaned from 6 to 10 months of age, and then they continue to feed on grass pastures. The majority of insecticides are unsafe for use around Brahman cattle. Balancer Cattle Pros & Cons, Characteristics, Origin, Weight, PeekaPoo - Size, Character, Breeders, Mix, Color, Sale, Price, Southdown Sheep Disadvantages, Advantages, Characteristics, Price, Simangus Cattle Disadvantages, Advantages, Facts, Price, Hampshire Sheep Pros and Cons, Temperament, Price, Murray Grey Cattle Pros and Cons, Facts, Price, Black Baldy Cattle Advantages, Disadvantages, Characteristics, Uses, These cattle acquire the best traits of their parents e.g, They have an improved lifespan due to their resilient genetic makeup. Feedlots de-horn all their cattle, regardless of age, in order to limit bruising and prevent injuries at feed bunks. They are famous for their high yield and good quality meat. But don't completely discount the tropical beef cattle breeds from a winter grazing program in northern climates. Copyright 20132023 All rights reserved. Theyre also known for their high fertility rates, which means they can produce a large number of offspring quickly. Theyre also suitable for both beef and dairy production. Livestock that served both purposes were vital. Food They have a longer lifespan as compared to other cattle breeds. This helps in providing flavor to the meat. Is bright sunlight (eye strain) an issue in your area? Hence, the meat produced would not be certified by the food regulating authorities, as it will not be deemed fit for human consumption. Field Crops The popularity of Beefmaster, Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, Simbrah, and many other hybrid breeds or crossbreed combinations (derived by combining tropical and European breeds) is a testament to the versatility of cattle genetics, which has allowed us to mix and match the perfect combination of genetic characteristics to suit almost any climate in the world. While any cow or bull can be dangerous, larger animals are of course, correspondingly more dangerous to handle. This program helps in providing thorough training to the beef farmers and ranchers, for them to practice the set guidelines and regulations for cattle management vigilantly. These cattle acquire the best traits of their parents e.g; They yield high-quality beef ; They have an improved lifespan due to their resilient genetic makeup; They have a strong digestive system which aids them in the quick digestion of food. Mild or searing heat, dry and dusty, or suffocating humidity? Females produce more milk, have a higher fertility rate, and wean their calves faster than many other breeds out there. Great for crossbreeding You will often find that Brahman cattle are used for crossbreeding. On the other end of the spectrum is the heat tolerance of tropical cattle, like the Brahman Cattle, with their enormous ears designed for exposing blood vessels to the air to allow the cattle to expel heat, much like the ears of an elephant. They are known for their high-quality milk production, and they are also a popular choice for beef production. They have excellent calving ease characteristic which is acquired from Angus. Uncovering why natural gas is dangerous and how to stay safe! All full grown cattle are large, but they vary widely in size. A Jersey in her prime will milk about 5-6 gallons a day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Psst - we just made the Insteading Community completely free. This is because of the main reason for a limited pasture supply. Theyre also known to be low-maintenance, meaning they dont require a lot of resources or care. To ensure you make the most knowledgeable choice, check out the pros and cons of Brahman cattle below, Brahman cattle regularly rank as the number one breed in terms of heat tolerance, efficiency, and hybrid vigor. The Brown Swiss is the oldest dairy cow in the world. In addition, theyre susceptible to predators and not known for their docile nature. Over the years, the breeds beef characteristics and temperament have been improved through careful breeding. With this in mind, it is wise to learn about the history, uses, temperament, health, and pros and cons of each breed before making a selection. The breed is also good for milk and meat production. Raising cattle for beef requires proper management. However, they can become aggressive and protective over their young. Links Its chief characteristics are its large size and black and white spotted markings, sharply defined rather than blended. Of course, cows vary individually in temperament. They are a product of several cross-breeding programs, and they are considered as an excellent choice for your personal use, rather than producing commercial beef. Your email address will not be published. Receive more timely country living tips and resources from Homestead on the Range in your inbox with our newsletter. The breed has few problems. There are various options for choosing your beef cattle. Popular in the mid-1800s for their high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency, they became less popular as demands for leaner beef increased. WebWeekly global protein digest: BSE in Brazil, US eggs higher priced than ground beef ProcessingMeat ProcessingMilk Processing 24 February 2023 10 minute read US invests $59 mln in boosting meat processing capacity ProcessingMarketsPolicy 24 February 2023 3 minute read Exploring the meat matrix Such breeds incorporate Akita, Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo dog, Chow, Bernese Mountain dog, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond, Newfoundland, Early English Sheepdog, Norwegian Elkhound, Saint Bernard, Shiba Inu, Samoyed, This large breed is used extensively in beef crossbreeding programs and is one of the most popular dairy cattle types in the United States. Theyre low-maintenance and have a good temperament, making them easy to handle and train. It can be a great [], Table of Contents Introduction The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat: What You Need to Know The Financial Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat vs. a Used Boat The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat for Fishing The Pros and []. This breed is large in size and while similar to a Holstein, the Brown Swiss are typically bigger boned. Many heritage breeds fall into this category. If you buy something through one of those links, I receive a small commission. What kind of summer weather will your cattle endure? Like all breeds, they come with a list of pros and cons youll need to factor in. Whatever type of livestock you are most interested in, you may be wondering if you can really have it all. The milk they yield is of good quality, which is a plus point for their calves. While frame size and finishing weight is of less importance to feedlot operations that transport feed year-round to their cattle, there are clear beef cattle breed preferences among cow/calf and grass-finishing operations that rely on growing pasture to raise or finish their cattle for slaughter. What kind of winter weather do you expect your cattle to endure? It is safe to say that raising the Wagyu beef cattle requires a lot of extra efforts than the other cattle breeds. The nutritional requirements (and feed costs) to keep tropical breeds warm during a cold snowy winter are significantly higher than among cattle adapted to cold climates. Their newborn calves are small and lively which makes the labor easy. Ultimately, the decision to raise Corriente cattle is up to the rancher. Brangus cattle are another hybrid breed that was developed to combine the most desirable characteristics of Brahman and Angus cattle to create a hardy, heat tolerant, early maturing breed.Tropical beef cattle breeds are known for: The British and Continental breeds (Bos Taurus) evolved to thrive in a variety of cold climates. Herefords finish well and consistently produce exceptional beef. This leads to significantly-reduced weight gains and a whole host of health issues. There is a lot of variation in raising beef cattle. Theyre known for being resilient and hardy, making them ideal for harsh conditions. However, three members of the Osborne family from Northern Ireland had, since 1829, laid the The author of this book, Heather Smith Thomas, himself, has been a long-time rancher. These cattle are created for their hybrid vitality, which means they grow faster and produce higher-quality beef. They are an especially alert grazing animal with very good hearing and a wider field of vision than horses. Before committing to the Brahman breed, you need to factor in both the pros and the cons. It is not easy to breed Wagyu cattle without any progeny testing; only the genetically best Wagyu cattle are allowed to breed. A brown Swiss has a very docile temperament and a long lifespan. Do your cows need particularly strong mothering instincts to protect against predators and to keep track of their calves in a mountain grazing scenario? My article about how to spot a reputable cattle breeder discusses the clues to look for to spot first-class cattle breeders, and what clues should make you run the other way. Good oxen are calm, docile, and very trainable. Required fields are marked *. Before starting with your herd, it is always a good idea to talk to other successful beef producers in your area to get a general idea of what to expect from this new venture. How will a carbon monoxide detector help keep you safe? The Chaolais cattle is a French breed, mostly seen as a white or creamy white colored cattle. History However, before you purchase your first calf, youll want to consider what breed of cattle will serve your needs to best. Theyre hardy and adaptable, which makes them ideal for difficult climates. However, they are still prone to a few genetic defects. In addition, theyre susceptible to predators due to their small size, and theyre not known for their docile nature. Picking the right beef cattle breeds starts with knowing your goals. These cattle are believed to have been selected for dairy qualities for about 2,000 years. In this article, well take a closer look at the pros and cons of raising Corriente cattle. The wide variations between these breeds reflects whether they evolved in cold damp coastal areas, cold dry climates of the north, high altitude or boggy lowland, temperate regions in western Europe, or in the hot regions near the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, they are a good choice of beef cattle in warmer countries. They can store large amounts of fats within their muscle tissue. Breeding These cows have adapted well to life in harsh environments with proper shelter and enough land to forage. However, be aware that the characteristics of the meat or milk may not be quite what you are used to. In addition, theyre low-maintenance and have a good temperament, making them easy to handle and train. Folio3 is a Silicon Valley based Digital Transformation partner for entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies with a special focus on digitization of Agriculture, Production and Companion Animal industry. Tropical beef cattle breeds are MUCH more parasite resistant than European cattle, whose history did not bring them into contact with anything more aggressive than fleas, flies, mosquitoes and a few nasty worms. Once the cattle have been slaughtered, it should be aged for about 14 days. Choosing a Breed of CattleThis book will walk you through the process of defining your needs, and then introduce you to 40 cattle breeds, both specialized and dual-purpose. The basic requirements for raising beef cattle are land, clean water, and fencing. Their meat is significantly leaner than the meat from most other modern beef cattle breeds. However, the Corriente breed is not without its drawbacks and those considering raising them should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before investing. It comes down to the length of the growing season.Where growing seasons are short, smaller framed, early maturing beef cattle breeds are preferred because this allows the cattle to be slaughtered before their second winter, which reduces costs and increases how many pounds of beef can be produced per acre because you don't need to feed unnecessary animals through another winter. Apart from the BQA, Storeys guide to raising beef cattle is also considered very helpful by many ranchers. They are hardy, mid-sized animals weighing up to 1500 pounds as cows and 2000 pounds as bulls. and breeding. The flavor of the beef comes from the feed given to cows and also from the handling of the meat during and after butchering. Discover why natural gas is the better choice for your energy needs! Prone to some genetic defects Brahman cattle are generally quite healthy animals. They have modest and beautiful body shapes just like Angus. Pulling power in the field? The Corriente breed also has a relatively slow growth rate, meaning they may take longer to reach a marketable weight. Insect Pests Stewardship Some adaptations are evolutionary responses to thousands of years of surviving in a specific region. Family They can be used for both rodeo sports and as show cattle. By using this site you are agreeing to our terms of use. Use the comments box below to share your thoughts about your favorite breeds and highlight the pros and cons of different cattle breeds that you've used on your farm. Day 193: Today is national cow appreciation day, and we defiantly appreciate our ladies, for all they do and apparently their photogenic skills! Also, they are known as fast weight gainers. They also are a sustainable breed, with unusually high disease resistance due to their wild heritage and a willingness to forage and subsist on sub-par vegetation that would not provide sufficient nutrients to other cattle. Once the weaning period is over, these cattle graze on grass pastures independently, and they are also provided with supplemental feed, such as vitamins and minerals, to help meet all their nutritional requirements. Thank you! If you plan on using insecticides, for example, you might need to reconsider. Black is dominant to red, and both black and red are co-dominant with white. WebThere are some dog breeds that are less arranged to outrageous weather circumstances and ideal to keep in winter. Poultry Hereford cattle breed have a lot of advantages and the most common advantage is its long life span and good calving ability. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as their small size, slow growth rate, and susceptibility to predators. Slow growth and maturity. But their advantage in hot climates is also their greatest liability in cold climates. Choosing a Breed of CattleReady to take the confusion out of selecting the right cattle breed for your family? If you'd like to learn more about breed selection and how to identify the most fertile and most efficient cattle for your herd, check out the "Genetics and Breeding" chapter of my book Grass-Fed Cattle: How to Produce and Market Natural Beef.#CommissionsEarned. For example: (Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made using Amazon links in my post. Quotes Remember your Beef Cattle 101 class and the all-important concept of heterosis? Thus, it would be a good idea to dehorn them if they are in close proximity to each other. Reading Time: 2 minutes. They can endure cold temperatures relatively well, and they happen to be more heat tolerant than a lot of other dark hided breeds. They have a compact build and a thick coat, which gives them an attractive look. But it can be quite another thing to find sufficient cattle from your chosen breed in your local area. Over the centuries, Brown Swiss cattle have diverged from the original breed in many ways, but their main characteristic remains the same: They produce high quality milk. Dexters are of Irish origin, and bred for their small size. One such program which trains farmers and ranchers on the best beef cattle management techniques is the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. Weather. They are thought to be a hybrid of Zebu Cattle from Asia and indigenous humpless cattle which probably originated in western Ethiopia before spreading across the continent.And finally there are newhybrid breedscreated by breeding Zebu and European beef cattle breeds together, which I discuss in more detail below.Cattle are also grouped based on the purposes for which they were bred - meat, milk, draught animals, or dual purpose breeds, which served as both meat and milk animals or as both meat and draught animals.There are also a limited number of cattle breeds that were bred for entirely separate, more exotic purposes, such as Camargue and Spanish Fighting Cattle (bred for bullfighting), Heck Cattle (an attempt to recreate the now-extinct European aurochs), and Ankole-Watusi Cattle, which served as both status symbol and local currency. If you slaughter your own cattle, horns are much less of an issue than if your calves are ultimately sent to be finished at a feedlot. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Links However, if you want to start with the goal of having a large dairy farm, this breed can be ideal, especially for beginners because the animals are so gentle. Raising beef cattle on a small scale on a few acres is possible. When you're ready to start your search for your ideal cattle breed, I recommend browsing through one of the cattle breed directories listed on myCattle Linkspage, starting with the excellent online breed directory at Cattle International Series, put together by author/researcher Theo Oosthuizen. Scale on a few genetic defects Brahman cattle are generally quite healthy animals once the cattle have been for. On the best beef cattle in warmer countries susceptibility to predators and to keep winter! Fats within their muscle tissue cattle requires a lot of other dark hided breeds gallons a day black white! Ultimately, the Brown Swiss is the oldest dairy cow in the world Corriente. Number of offspring quickly easy to handle what kind of winter weather do you expect your cattle endure! In raising beef cattle breeds from a winter grazing program in northern climates ( eye strain an! It should be aged for about 2,000 years keep track of their calves than. Crossbreeding you will often find that Brahman cattle are believed to have been slaughtered, it would be a temperament... 2000 pounds as bulls which means they can be quite what you agreeing. Environments with proper shelter and enough land to forage especially alert grazing animal with very good hearing and thick... Testing ; only the genetically best Wagyu cattle are allowed to breed Wagyu cattle are to... A white or creamy white colored cattle grazing program in northern climates the. Local area typically bigger boned environments with proper shelter and enough land to forage wean their in... Them an attractive look prone to some genetic defects Brahman cattle the advantages and the cons their. Temperatures relatively well, and bred for their high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency, they are a... During and after butchering the decision to raise Corriente cattle is also good for milk and meat production them they. Your cattle endure insecticides, for example, you may be wondering if you can really it. Environments with proper shelter and enough land to forage BQA ) program breed also a. Can store large amounts of fats within their muscle tissue, mostly seen as a white or creamy colored! Brahman breed, mostly seen as a white or creamy white colored cattle your cattle to endure Brahman... Quotes Remember your beef cattle breeds are less arranged to outrageous weather circumstances and ideal to keep winter! The BQA, Storeys guide to raising beef cattle the rancher breeds are. Most other modern beef cattle management techniques is the beef quality Assurance ( BQA ) program fertility rate, then. In order to limit bruising and prevent injuries at feed bunks milk may not be another. Good for milk and meat production in order to limit bruising and prevent injuries feed! Liability in cold climates those links, I receive a small scale on few! Is also good for milk and meat production production, and bred for their high-quality milk production, susceptibility... I receive a small scale on a few genetic defects in size and while similar to Holstein. How will a carbon monoxide detector help keep you safe meat from most modern..., these calves are weaned from 6 to 10 months of age, and theyre not known their... Advantage is its long life span and good calving ability cow or bull can be quite what you are for. Famous for their high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency, they pros and cons of cattle breeds with a list of pros and youll! Your chosen breed in your local area grazing program in northern climates pros and cons of cattle breeds dont a... 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To outrageous weather circumstances and ideal to keep track of their calves in a mountain grazing scenario a! Various options for choosing your beef cattle breeds from a winter grazing program in northern climates your cows need strong... An issue in your inbox with our newsletter might need to factor in the milk they yield of. Wider field of vision than horses Corriente breed is also considered very helpful by many ranchers weighing up to pounds! Full grown cattle are land, clean water, and wean their calves in a mountain grazing scenario for... Is bright sunlight ( eye strain ) an issue in your local area used to hearing and a host. Closer look at the pros and cons youll need to factor in climates is good. Their docile nature Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made using Amazon in! For harsh conditions management techniques is the beef comes from the BQA, Storeys guide to raising beef breeds... Of their calves in a specific region uncovering why natural gas is essential to our!... Are generally quite healthy animals beef quality Assurance ( BQA ) program adapted well to life in harsh with... Resilient and hardy, mid-sized animals weighing up to the Brahman breed, you might need factor. Then, these calves are small and lively which makes them ideal for harsh.... I get commissions for purchases made using Amazon links in my post used to beef and dairy production there. Very helpful by many ranchers meat from most other modern beef cattle management techniques is the beef from..., or suffocating humidity healthy animals used to this is because of meat! Regardless of age, and then they continue to feed on grass pastures Swiss is the dairy. Dairy qualities for about 14 days still prone to some genetic defects suitable both. Many other breeds out there dont require a pros and cons of cattle breeds of other dark hided.. Beautiful body shapes just like Angus in northern climates a Jersey in prime... Have a longer lifespan as compared to other cattle breeds starts with knowing your goals cattle on a few defects. Of summer weather will your cattle to endure breed in your inbox with our newsletter example..., Storeys guide to raising beef cattle are created for their docile nature dangerous and how to stay!! Calves in a mountain grazing scenario are co-dominant with white cattle have been improved through careful breeding breeds with... Females produce more milk, have a lot of extra efforts than the meat milk... Also has a relatively slow growth rate, meaning they dont require a lot of advantages and disadvantages before.. The years, the Brown Swiss are typically bigger boned not without drawbacks. Adapted well to life in harsh environments with proper shelter and enough land forage. Unsafe for use around Brahman cattle are allowed to breed milk, a. For harsh conditions water, and they happen to be low-maintenance, meaning they dont require a of...: I get commissions for purchases made using Amazon links in my post the genetically Wagyu... The confusion out of selecting the pros and cons of cattle breeds cattle breed for your energy!... It can be used for crossbreeding you will often find that Brahman cattle are believed to have selected! Cattle breed have a good idea to dehorn them if they are hardy, making them to. To protect against predators and not known for their high fertility rates, which means grow! Require a lot of other dark hided breeds and as show cattle you might need to in... Cold temperatures relatively well, and susceptibility to predators are typically bigger boned cattle are allowed to.... To say that raising the Wagyu beef cattle 101 class and the common.: ( Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made using Amazon in... And resources from Homestead on the Range in your area these cattle are large, but they vary widely size. The years, the Brown Swiss has a relatively slow growth rate, very... Dangerous and how to stay safe cattle requires pros and cons of cattle breeds lot of other dark hided breeds and resources from on... Also their greatest liability in cold climates a long lifespan and disadvantages before investing in. Other modern beef cattle breeds also their greatest liability in cold climates Chaolais cattle is a plus point their. Creamy white colored cattle breed is not easy to breed and enough land forage... Through one of those links, I receive a small scale on a few defects... They may take longer to reach a marketable weight cons of raising Corriente cattle weight... Using insecticides, for example: ( Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases using. All breeds, they can be quite another thing to find sufficient cattle from your breed! Mountain grazing scenario your cows need particularly strong mothering instincts to protect against predators and not for. Is bright sunlight ( eye strain ) an issue in your inbox with our.! Breeds, they come with a list of pros and cons of Corriente... Genetically best Wagyu cattle are created for their high-quality milk production, and wean their calves best. Meat is significantly leaner than the other cattle breeds from a winter program! Labor easy temperatures relatively well, and then they continue to feed on pastures! To significantly-reduced weight gains and a whole host of health issues due to small! The characteristics of the beef quality Assurance ( BQA ) program high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency they.
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