Backbone Ranch
Well-known member
Williamsv":29mevp4n said:That Murray Grey cow is beautiful. I am not familiar with that breed. How are they different from Charolais?
Thanks Williamsv. I do not want to hijack this thread, but we have never had Charolais, so I do not have any first hand experience with them. The Murray Grey breed originated in Australia during the early 1900's by the Sutherland family. The breed started when one roan shorthorn cow was bred to various Aberdeen Angus bulls. She had 12 calves, and they were the foundation of the breed. To add different genetics to the gene pool, specific Angus cows were approved by the association to be bred to a Murray grey bull. Since the breed was established the have dominated carcass competitions in Australia. They are smaller in frame, so they are ideal for grass-finishing. Murray Greys will consistently finish choice or better on grass alone. They are extremely easy keeping. Our cattle are often called too fat by our neighbors, but they do not need excess feed. The cow below has adopted an orphan bull calf and is raising it along with her own. Both calves are 5 months old now. We have not treated this cow differently or given her extra food, she has gotten nothing but grass.
Murray Grey cows are great mothers. I have seen half of our herd chase after a coyote, but we have no issues tagging and weighing the calves at birth. As a breed, they are extremely docile. Murray Greys are known for their calving ease. The calves are born healthy and lively. They also have longevity. There have been several accounts of cows producing into their teens and twenties. Their dark pigment around their eyes and teats reduce the chance of sunburned udders and cancer eye. And yet, their light color allows them to do better in our 110 degree summers.