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More Research Debunking "Bigger is Better"
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<blockquote data-quote="Oldtimer" data-source="post: 1353996" data-attributes="member: 97"><p>I still have a few of those 6-7 frame cows that weigh in the 1400+ range- but I have found that there is more profit in this area in the smaller more efficient cattle- so are eliminating them... When you live in an area where often you have to feed hay 5-6 months of the year- and temps are often 20 below with 50 below or more chill factor for weeks-- you don't want to be having to stuff one of those 6-7-8 frame cows full of enough hay to keep warm ..</p><p></p><p>I chased the exotic fad for several years too when it first came to be and we had the larger crossbred cattle for years- but they would almost make you cry when you watched the amount of hay they would consume in a winter.. Same with pasture- we can easily run more smaller efficient cattle on the same acreage... And we haven't changed the average weight weaned on the calves by that much.. In fact in some cases with the better grass genetics and the fact there is more grass to go around for all we are getting bigger calves...</p><p></p><p>And I don't see an 1150 Lb 4-5 frame cow as dumpy.. Nor their calves.. The steers and heifers we don't keep to sell as seedstock have topped the market for several years...March-April Bull calves last year averaged 655 end of October - Steers averaged 607 (brought $1280 each on Oct. 30th) and the heifers averaged 590 (and brought $1150).. You can't ask for much better then that in this country.. </p><p></p><p>I often wonder how many people have actually put a tape to their cattle to determine frame size? These are northern range cattle type and are on the top of the buyers lists... If you think you need and want bigger calves, breed to a terminal type bull- or a charolais... Some in our area that do, run efficient maternal type angus (red or black) cattle but breed to bigger framed charolais, or simmi bulls to get bigger framed calves... But I still contend you don't need big momma cows to raise good calves- and you can make more profit with efficient smaller cows..</p><p></p><p>This is a never ending argument that has went on for years between breeders and ranchers- but after 50 years of running cattle I pretty much agree with what these studies (especially all the years of research at NDSU) are showing.. But like I said- we are much like North Dakota in environment and weather-- so their findings may not fit all- but it sure is proving true for us...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Oldtimer, post: 1353996, member: 97"] I still have a few of those 6-7 frame cows that weigh in the 1400+ range- but I have found that there is more profit in this area in the smaller more efficient cattle- so are eliminating them... When you live in an area where often you have to feed hay 5-6 months of the year- and temps are often 20 below with 50 below or more chill factor for weeks-- you don't want to be having to stuff one of those 6-7-8 frame cows full of enough hay to keep warm .. I chased the exotic fad for several years too when it first came to be and we had the larger crossbred cattle for years- but they would almost make you cry when you watched the amount of hay they would consume in a winter.. Same with pasture- we can easily run more smaller efficient cattle on the same acreage... And we haven't changed the average weight weaned on the calves by that much.. In fact in some cases with the better grass genetics and the fact there is more grass to go around for all we are getting bigger calves... And I don't see an 1150 Lb 4-5 frame cow as dumpy.. Nor their calves.. The steers and heifers we don't keep to sell as seedstock have topped the market for several years...March-April Bull calves last year averaged 655 end of October - Steers averaged 607 (brought $1280 each on Oct. 30th) and the heifers averaged 590 (and brought $1150).. You can't ask for much better then that in this country.. I often wonder how many people have actually put a tape to their cattle to determine frame size? These are northern range cattle type and are on the top of the buyers lists... If you think you need and want bigger calves, breed to a terminal type bull- or a charolais... Some in our area that do, run efficient maternal type angus (red or black) cattle but breed to bigger framed charolais, or simmi bulls to get bigger framed calves... But I still contend you don't need big momma cows to raise good calves- and you can make more profit with efficient smaller cows.. This is a never ending argument that has went on for years between breeders and ranchers- but after 50 years of running cattle I pretty much agree with what these studies (especially all the years of research at NDSU) are showing.. But like I said- we are much like North Dakota in environment and weather-- so their findings may not fit all- but it sure is proving true for us... [/QUOTE]
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