Our Breeding Philosophy
The Pursuit of Balance
All to often the tendency to chase one trait over another leads to less desirable traits in all other areas. With almost all positive traits or characteristics there is some kind of polar opposite. Recently we have been intrigued by the technology used by the Company Growsafe. This technology allows for accurate measurement of Dry Matter Intake in relation to Average Daily Gain. Through measuring these numbers comes the ability to distinguish which animals are truly the most efficient. With that superior efficiency comes a greater ability to breed, survive, and a healthy calf.
Efficiency
Efficiency in cattle can be very difficult to measure. Research has shown that some cattle eat more and some eat less while gaining the same amount of weight. The goal
Calving Ease
Calving Ease. Is it all about birth weight? We feel that calving ease is finding a balance. You need to raise cattle that have adequate size in relation to the newborn calf. Continually selecting for calving ease can have negative effects on a cow herd just as much as always selecting for growth. Balance is needed for multiple reasons. Several studies have shown that cows/heifers that have a difficult labor and birthing process due to large birth weights have a greater risk of breeding up late or not at all.
Fertility
What is fertility in cattle? Is it considered the ability of a cow to produce twin calves or is it the ability of a cow to be bred up easily and early each and every year? What affects fertility? Research has found that nutrition impacts fertility rather largely, so finding cattle that can maintain their weight during lactation drastically improves the "fertility" of that cow.
Statistics have shown that wild cattle are less productive animals. That statement may seem a little off to some because it always seems that the most wild & crazy cows breed up year in and year out while raising tremendous calves Research has shown that in the feed lot wild and crazy cattle tend to not gain as well as their more calm counter parts. Other research has shown that more excitable calves tend to lose weight on shipping day due to added shrink.