Having had dinner, and watching a terrific PBS TV Program called "Celtic Women", I shall attempt to organize my thoughts and present them to you all regarding Anxiety 4th. It is said that "What Goes Around - Comes Around!" A couple of weeks ago, or so, there was a thread here on CattleToday involving the Aubrac Breed of Beef Cattle. I must tell you, I was and am very impressed with the cattle presented on the posts here, and perhaps it represents a need which fits today 's Economic and Market situation, what with Ethanol commencing to utilize the corn and other grains so vital to some of the beef cattle with which we are concerned today. In the era of Anxiety 4th, grass and roughage were the 'Catch Words' of the day, and heavy feeding of corn for ALL beef cattle was at a minimum except for Show Strings. I feel that grass and roughage is again going to be the very primary force with which the Beef Producer will be involved, and a breed of cattle which will function well and finish with little grain may be the salvation of the Beef BU$INE$$ as most breeder's would prefer seeing it! Keep an open mind. We might keep in mind the returning of the type and image of BEEF cattle that Aubrac bulls are presenting. Don't think that I am self-serving - I have no cattle at the present time, and have no ax to grind!
The image of Anxiety 4th depicted here on the Forum is NOT a photograph, but a painting, therefore has probably been "idealized" somewhat, but we can discuss what we see here in this image.
Here is an example of an extremely optimal BEEF bull! Attempting to ignore all pertinent information in evidence concerning this individual and his historic background is almost impossible, but the purpose of analytical judging is to report what one sees.
The bull depicted here is a fine example of a mature Horned Hereford Bull. It is hard from what is pictured here to determine what his Frame Score would be, but I will say it is more or less 5.0. (That gives me a little leeway for error!) He has a strong, "breedy" head, (needs more color around the eye), moderate crest, a strong, level top line ending at a smooth level tail setting. He shows great depth of body from front to rear, carrying down optimally in the rear flank. He appears to have a desirable spring of rib, and deep heart girth, equaling his top line length without being paunchy. He has a long, level rump from hooks to pins, balancing well with not only his structure at the mid-line point, but in separating him into "thirds" from neck length, body length, and rump length, he seems to fit the pattern well. As mentioned above, he displays a moderate crest, but for a bull of his size and age I would like to see a heavier crest indicating more male hormones present ( potential fertility). He has a short neck, indicative of libido and early maturing daughters. He possesses a heavy jaw, and course, curly hair indicating masculinity and presence of testosterone, and a balanced Endocrine system.
He appears to have adequate testicular size. He shows a deep hindquarter, but I would prefer to see more "rearward or posterior" bulge. This view precludes determining his width of body and rump. His shoulder size is only adequate, and seems to be a little straight in the upper leg and shoulder. His feet are hidden by grass, but I would look for more bone size because of the overall size of the bull. His pasterns, however, appear strong enough for his size. Again – this could be artistic prerogative on the part of the artist. He does not appear to be sickle-hocked or cow-hocked. His stifle area is well-muscled above the rear flank and carrying well down the hind leg. His front cannon bones are appropriately shortened resulting from male hormones stopping growth of the 'long' bones. His Hereford color pattern is characteristic, noting the absence of color around the eye(s), said color helping to alleviate 'pink-eye' problems, and fly infestations. All mentioned 'breed characteristics' are in relation to economic value and efficient beef production.
Anxiety 4th Genetics, if in balance with his obvious Phenotype properties, was, and could continue to be, an asset to Hereford breeders by reintroducing dormant or quiescent genes to the common gene-pool – assuming minimal undesirable characteristics are not Homozygous. Crossbreeding protocols could benefit exponentially as well! It might prove tantalizing to explore the antecedent's of other different breeds in order to determine genetic and phenotypic possibilities! It should be mandatory to explore the CURRENT marketable requirements prior to committing possible damaging protocols to the breeding herd of the beef industry which might negatively influence the beef production environment.
The hypothesis that "going back" genetically and using genetics from animals popular in years past is an interesting syllogism, but to be feasible and expedient in a profitable and realistic breeding program, ALL possible Genetic and Phenotypic alterations should be given every consideration before arbitrarily assuming that optimal results will ensue from rather unorthodox breeding policies. In My Opinion, it is an exciting option to consider, nevertheless considerable attention should be given to all aspects of the procedure prior to implementation.
DOC HARRIS
