Menu
Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
New media
New media comments
New profile posts
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Members
Current visitors
New profile posts
Search profile posts
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Forums
Cattle Boards
Beginners Board
A couple of new babies
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Help Support CattleToday:
Message
<blockquote data-quote="East Caney" data-source="post: 523526" data-attributes="member: 2960"><p>Congratulations on your calves.</p><p></p><p>I also find it abnormal that the birthweights are so high on those beefmaster calves. How long have you been selecting for high growth? It sounds as if you're increasing your frame size significantly and your birth weights are following suit. How do you measure your calves' weights (scale or tape)?</p><p></p><p>I think most people stay away from larger framed cattle for the simple reason that many smaller framed cattle seem to be easier keeping. I'm sure an 1,800 lb heavy milking female could raise a monster calf. I also know of a foundation bred heifer being weighed at the time her calf was weaned...she weighed in the 9's and her calf weighed in the 8's. It doesn't always take a lot of frame to get good weight. I do see how you wouldn't have much trouble with those large calves when the cows are that size. I don't know how much of an advantage you have at weaning. Some will argue, due to maintenance, that there may be no advantage at all. </p><p></p><p>I also don't know that very large frame cattle are what the market considers "optimum". Then again, raising paints, I don't suppose you're giving much reference to what the market considers optimum.</p><p></p><p>Someone stated that your birthweights were about 20 lbs over the breed average, and I'd say they were "at least" that. There are quite a few BBU bred animals out there with good EPDs. Those same animals seem to be the ones with higher birthweights and larger frames. The cattle business is a game of balance. For whatever you get, there will be something that must be given. I think it's our job to properly manage that balancing act.</p><p></p><p>Anyway, you've explained the size of your herd which somewhat explains the size of your calves. I know you're fond of paints, and it seems that your program works for you. I wish you well. I just want to ensure that everyone doesn't think that those 95-105 lb birthweights are the norm within the Beefmaster breed.</p><p></p><p>EC</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="East Caney, post: 523526, member: 2960"] Congratulations on your calves. I also find it abnormal that the birthweights are so high on those beefmaster calves. How long have you been selecting for high growth? It sounds as if you're increasing your frame size significantly and your birth weights are following suit. How do you measure your calves' weights (scale or tape)? I think most people stay away from larger framed cattle for the simple reason that many smaller framed cattle seem to be easier keeping. I'm sure an 1,800 lb heavy milking female could raise a monster calf. I also know of a foundation bred heifer being weighed at the time her calf was weaned...she weighed in the 9's and her calf weighed in the 8's. It doesn't always take a lot of frame to get good weight. I do see how you wouldn't have much trouble with those large calves when the cows are that size. I don't know how much of an advantage you have at weaning. Some will argue, due to maintenance, that there may be no advantage at all. I also don't know that very large frame cattle are what the market considers "optimum". Then again, raising paints, I don't suppose you're giving much reference to what the market considers optimum. Someone stated that your birthweights were about 20 lbs over the breed average, and I'd say they were "at least" that. There are quite a few BBU bred animals out there with good EPDs. Those same animals seem to be the ones with higher birthweights and larger frames. The cattle business is a game of balance. For whatever you get, there will be something that must be given. I think it's our job to properly manage that balancing act. Anyway, you've explained the size of your herd which somewhat explains the size of your calves. I know you're fond of paints, and it seems that your program works for you. I wish you well. I just want to ensure that everyone doesn't think that those 95-105 lb birthweights are the norm within the Beefmaster breed. EC [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Cattle Boards
Beginners Board
A couple of new babies
Top