Katpau
Well-known member
Angus are getting a bit of a bashing for docility here, and I assume that is likely due to the popularity of certain bloodlines in the past that had a reputation for poor dispositions. (for example EXT or Emulation 31). Just like every other quality, docility is something you can select for, but if using EPD's, you need to make sure the EPD has some accuracy or it is fairly worthless. I think you will find Angus to be no different than any breed in that area. I consider docility important, and I have about 40 registered Angus cows at this time. There is not a single one on the place right now that I don't feel safe walking right up to, and tagging her new born calf. That has taken some ruthless culling over the years, but it pays off. Last year I had to cull a 4 year old cow that had already successfully weaned 4 calves. She first calved at 13 months. She was always skittish, but had not been aggressive. That changed after she knocked me down when her new calf began to struggle. She was shipped as soon as that calf was weaned. She came from a line of cows that traced back to a Saugahatchee cow I once owned who was a real b*tch. (I was younger and more agile then, and more tolerant of bad behavior) I need to watch this line, but I have some descendants that are real sweethearts.