Jeanne - Simme Valley
Well-known member
A lot of us know what Simmental were like back in the 90's, 80's & even 70's. But, we aren't talking about that. Let's talk about the modern Simmental - the same ones that many $%itch about having so much Angus in them and that's why they are black. (so shouldn't the Angus in them make them CE??)
Well, back in 1972 I had black Simmentals - half bloods. Black Simmies have been around from the day their semen was imported. But, my herd of black (and reds) would DNA test out to be 99% Simmental now & for many, many years. I have to admit, I have been using some 3/4% bulls, which will increase the Angus in them.
But, point being made, there are probably just as high a percentage of Simmental bulls that are easy calving as their are Angus bulls. The "modern" Angus bull isn't exactly the perfect role model of CE anymore. There are hard calvers in the breed - as in ALL breeds. We all, as breeders need to pay attention to genetics & the tools given us to make sound breeding decisions.
I look at my replacement heifers as my most up & coming genetics, and I definitely would not consider breeding her to a super calving ease bull that did not have great growth and other attributes needed to make a great cow.
With the tools we have, you should never have to breed heifers to a "throw away" calf producer (meaning not keeping the offspring as a breeder).
My heifers' calves may weigh a little less than a mature cow's at weaning, but they are not less at breeding time - because I use a bull with GROWTH.
Well, back in 1972 I had black Simmentals - half bloods. Black Simmies have been around from the day their semen was imported. But, my herd of black (and reds) would DNA test out to be 99% Simmental now & for many, many years. I have to admit, I have been using some 3/4% bulls, which will increase the Angus in them.
But, point being made, there are probably just as high a percentage of Simmental bulls that are easy calving as their are Angus bulls. The "modern" Angus bull isn't exactly the perfect role model of CE anymore. There are hard calvers in the breed - as in ALL breeds. We all, as breeders need to pay attention to genetics & the tools given us to make sound breeding decisions.
I look at my replacement heifers as my most up & coming genetics, and I definitely would not consider breeding her to a super calving ease bull that did not have great growth and other attributes needed to make a great cow.
With the tools we have, you should never have to breed heifers to a "throw away" calf producer (meaning not keeping the offspring as a breeder).
My heifers' calves may weigh a little less than a mature cow's at weaning, but they are not less at breeding time - because I use a bull with GROWTH.