Discussions on different breeds?

[andybob]

Would there be any interest in posting different breeds, not only those we have experience with, but also other breeds we might have come across at sales or just read about?
I thought this might just stimulate a different type of debate from the common "my breeds better than your breed" thread.

[katrina]

I'm game!!

[Soapweed]

Two bits says it will turn into an argument and feelings will be hurt.

Spelling error so it is edited.

[andybob]

[Grassfarmer]

Not quite sure what the objective of the thread is andybob - if it's just to name breeds and list the qualities their breed association claim what does it achieve? If we're not allowed to make critical comments or relay experiences we've had with particular breeds what do we talk about?

[lazy ace]

Here are my perspectives on different breeds of cattle we have been around.

Charolais cattle totally have there place for adding pounds for terminal crosses with maximizing heterosis.

Herefords have been around forever and deserve respect for all around cattle that offer a variety of maternal and carcass traits. The F1 baldy black or red are tough cattle to beat.

Simmental cattle have changed from years ago and probably offer both the terminal and the maternal strengths for crossbreeding.

Angus is a power house association and have worked hard to become what they are. There are a lot of angus in the world that are working.

Saler cattle.... We used to have them and this is just my opinion but they were a breed that grew to fast and the natural culling for disposition did not take place and that is why they decreased in numbers as fast as they grew. We did cull hard for disposition and ended up with a solid set of cows that worked well for us. I still think they offer a great cross for terminal cattle with a lot of vigor at birth. There are still a lot of good saler breeders in the country.

Belgium Blue cattle are really heavy muscled and cool to look at, but probably not for me.

Red Angus (now I may be a little biased) offer a lot of traits that are valuable in crossbreeding including maternal and carcass. They have been on a hot streak for awhile and have been gaining popularity.

I guess I don't know much about north devon or even south for that matter.

These are just a few that I have been around or have knowledge of. Just my opinions and sure hope I didn't just start the fight.

If we were to add a breed for crossbreeding today it would be Hereford or Simmental but pretty certain Hereford.

have a good one

lazy ace

[jeff in ca]

Beef Breeds are like brands of pickups, tractors, or balers. We all have our own favorites for different reasons. They all have their own pluses and minuses. We can all agree to that???

[jodywy]

The British had draft horses and beef, the Continent had oxen…..
But will agree that those Continental cattle make for a good terminal cross.
But then I live in heavy snow country, and 2 to 3 tons of hay to a Herford or Angus cow, the Charolais and Simmental tend to have to fork out a lot more hay.
Still have a little brisket show up on Angus up on high summer range, not much , but every once in awhile.

[Silver]

[ANGUS327]

Luings are the best cattle there are, ever was, and ever will be, just ask Grassfarmer

[Silver]

....................and we're off!!!!!!

[Soapweed]

Sometimes we need to take into consideration that it is not always what we want, but what the buyers are seeking and are willing to pay a premium to acquire. I have considered one of the long-haired breeds in the past, but decided to run the idea by a gentleman who purchases a lot of local cattle, and whose opinion I highly respect. He strongly advised against it because in feedlot situations, the extra hair gathers a lot of mud. He more or less indicated that he wouldn't bid on cattle of this cross, so I discarded the idea and sold the one bull that I had bought at a loss.