Bright Raven
Well-known member
Ebenezer said:For example: the black buzzard discussions on another thread: commercial producers need mama cows that have smarts and can deal with buzzards during the calving process and they need a calf that can be up and traveling in 20 minutes or less. That is not gained by many of the current fads and promotions. And to round it out, we create some buzzard issues by feeding cows to calve in the daytime. So it is not just purebred fads and other side venues that impact commercial folks.
I have a small registered herd. I post a lot of pictures, so most of the regulars know my cattle. Probably 90 % of the standing cows in my herd are AI sired. I have the unique circumstances of seeing 75 % of my calves born. Rarely does it take more than 10 minutes for a calf to be up nursing. I had black vulture issues this year and none of my cows had to be taught to chase them off. In fact, they were so preoccupied with chasing buzzards that I got into the game and gave them some assistance using age old technology. Lol
I have 7 ex-show girls in my herd and their calves are up and nursing in minutes. In fact, I am in awe of the vigor my calves exhibit.
I take good care of my cattle but they still live outside in the weather 365 days a year. They still have to travel steep hillsides. They still have to function on predominantly fescue forage. They still have to stay healthy. They still have to have good feet.
Fertility: for the fourth year I have bred every cow back via AI within a 60 day breeding season and 60 days postpartum.
Painting with a broad brush and generalizations deserves a caution. Not saying you don't have a valid message but talk is cheap.