mature size and the environment

[KNERSIE]

I have seen just how much environmental factors can influence the mature size of cattle. After talking to another breeder about the frame size of a certain bull's offspring he made the comment that he isn't very concerned about that because his environment will control the ultimate mature size of the offspring and normal selection procedures at weaning will prevent his cow herd to become too large framed. The bull in question was a little too tall for my liking, but had something to offer for both our breeding programs.

His argument was that if the offspring was compared to the offspring of another bull both of us uses the ones that are too tall for the environment will be standing out like a sore thumb.

I don't quite agree, because the milking ability of the dam plays too big a role up untill weaning.

What are you all's thoughts on this?

 

[SEC]

I agree without a doubt. What mgmt you allow the cattle will ultimately influence their potential. BUT they will need to have the genetics to be "taller" already.

Being heavy is one thing, environment will certainly influence that.
Cows that are lighter other places will be heavier other places.

In no disrespect, not many cattle will look better than they will at SAV, EXAR etc.

 

[Aero]

if you sell calves at weaning, weigh the calves and their mothers. figure out which cow makes the most per cwt of cow. the cow weight will directly control how much land they take. calf income per cow cwt will tell you what cows are best suited to your environment and management.

if you retain ownership, assessing individual cow profitability will be even easier when the individual data comes back.