How to find the perfect beef cattle breed for your farm, In my articles I recommend some of my favorite cattle farming books and products. 94% of all the dairy cows in the US are Holsteins because of their astonishing milk production: almost 9 gallons a day. The main cons of the breed include: They can become aggressive and protective of their young The fact that Brahman cattle are excellent mothers is one of the main reasons farmers choose to raise them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Psst - we just made the Insteading Community completely free. Prone to some genetic defects Brahman cattle are generally quite healthy animals. Limousin cattle are very good breeders and can give birth to low weight calves. When she's not in Olympia with her garden, she is helping her partner at Hidden River Farms raising pastured pigs and growing organic grain and veggies. Coal slag could kill your grass or give it a boost! They are naturally hornless, which is an added convenience for anyone breeding cattle, as it eliminates the unpleasant process of de-horning. Were building a place for homesteaders to connect, share what works, and grow their skills. You may want to consider a breed that produces less milk such as a Scottish Highland cattle which will produce around 2 gallons per day. Dairy cows are bred to be highly productive in milk and relatively docile so they can be easily handled every day by humans. Raising cattle can supply you and your family with homegrown meat and dairy products while teaching your kids valuable life lessons. Pros Dependable temperament. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Getting Started with Livestock Part 4: Breed, Heritage Livestock Breeds Comparison Charts, Chicken Predators in Kansas: Foxes, Coyotes & Domestic Dogs, Your Path to Abundant Living in Flyover Country. Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend. Family Theyre also known for their high fertility rates, which means they can produce a large number of offspring quickly. Heritage Livestock Breeds Comparison ChartsCharacteristics of many dual-purpose livestock breeds of all species. All full grown cattle are large, but they vary widely in size. The largest breed of cattle in the world is an ancient Italian draft and beef breed called Chianina, with the bulls weighing as much (or more) than 3000 lbs. You could create your own unique variety if you want to, setting you apart from other local breeders. Links Do you want fresh milk? WebYour choice of beef cattle breed (s) plays a vital role in your success in the pasture-based cattle farming industry. This dairy breed is popular with farmers because it is a good all-around cow. Dairy A well-conditioned team can pull up to 2-1/2 times its own weight for a short distance. This program helps in providing thorough training to the beef farmers and ranchers, for them to practice the set guidelines and regulations for cattle management vigilantly. Hopefully our guide will answer your questions. The West Bringing the healthiest beef from the pasture to the plate is the dream of every beef farmer and rancher. Cattle The Simmental cattle is a Swiss breed with a large frame. Some farmers use milk produced by these cattle to make up to 170,000 pounds of cheddar per year. Features profiles of 40 breeds, including several not showcased in our online guide. Discover why natural gas is the better choice for your energy needs! Good oxen are calm, docile, and very trainable. A post shared by Sierra Linda (@sierralindafarm) on Jul 31, 2018 at 6:53pm PDT. Dexters are of Irish origin, and bred for their small size. The Chaolais cattle is a French breed, mostly seen as a white or creamy white colored cattle. Some adaptations are evolutionary responses to thousands of years of surviving in a specific region. Some of the most popular breeds of cattle are Angus, Red Angus, Charolais, Hereford, and Simmental. This breed is large in size and while similar to a Holstein, the Brown Swiss are typically bigger boned. They are hardy, mid-sized animals weighing up to 1500 pounds as cows and 2000 pounds as bulls. Jersey cows are a relatively small, productive breed, weighing only about 900 pounds fully grown, with brown coats ranging in color from dark chocolate to gold marshmallow. These cows give birth to calves at least once a year, which typically weigh about 60 to 100 pounds. The basic requirements for raising beef cattle are land, clean water, and fencing. This means that you will needto draw from a wide range of breeders to keep up sufficient genetic diversity in your herd to prevent inbreeding. All cattle basically possess one of three basic colors: black, red, or white. And if you enjoyed this article, please click the "Like" buttons on myFacebookor Twitter pagesand subscribe to myemail updatesto get notified of future cattle farming articles! The Hereford is a British breed of cattle. They also are a sustainable breed, with unusually high disease resistance due to their wild heritage and a willingness to forage and subsist on sub-par vegetation that would not provide sufficient nutrients to other cattle. The smaller breeds like Dexters and Jerseys can be as small as 600 lbs. Black is dominant to red, and both black and red are co-dominant with white. Your email address will not be published. Balancer Cattle Pros & Cons, Characteristics, Origin, Weight, PeekaPoo - Size, Character, Breeders, Mix, Color, Sale, Price, Southdown Sheep Disadvantages, Advantages, Characteristics, Price, Simangus Cattle Disadvantages, Advantages, Facts, Price, Hampshire Sheep Pros and Cons, Temperament, Price, Murray Grey Cattle Pros and Cons, Facts, Price, Black Baldy Cattle Advantages, Disadvantages, Characteristics, Uses, These cattle acquire the best traits of their parents e.g, They have an improved lifespan due to their resilient genetic makeup. What Ranchers Need To Know About Cow Pregnancy? Guernseys produce about 4.5 gallons of milk per day, with a product that is high in vitamin A. Dual purpose breeds are considered acceptable for both milk and beef, but are less productive and efficient at both. Are horns an asset for protection against predators? WebThe advantages to using alfalfa in small backyard dairy farms are lower feed bills and higher milk production. Original herd was culled on The Six Essentials: Weight, Conformation, Milking Ability, Fertility, Hardiness and Disposition. A Swiss breed, Simmentals grow quickly, and provide both good beef and good dairy production. Facts on origin, breed structure, population, uses, weight, preferred climate, temperament, health, and production are included. Natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all! Upload a photo / attachment to this comment (PNG, JPG, GIF - 6 MB Max File Size):(Allowed file types: jpg, gif, png, maximum file size: 6MB. And currently some breeders keep the Corriente cattle for their meat. Then, these calves are weaned from 6 to 10 months of age, and then they continue to feed on grass pastures. Wagyu beef calves spend twelve months with their mothers and then are fed out for another 400 days. Because of their pale coat, they are tolerant of high temperatures and well suited for hotter climates. They are well-known to survive in rough ranching conditions, without compromising the beef quality produced. Also, there is the option of providing organic mineral supplements. Another benefit of the Corriente breed is their versatility. #hvf365 #nationalcowappreciationday #cattle #beef #shorthorncattle #farmfreshphotography, A post shared by Renate Haan (@haanover_view_farms_) on Jul 12, 2017 at 6:11pm PDT. First appearing in the 1800s, ACDs were a crossbreed of Dingo-blue merle collies with dalmatians or black and tan kelpies. Theyre known for being resilient and hardy, making them ideal for harsh conditions. Theyre among the smallest cattle breeds in the world. It's one thing to find the 'perfect' breed on paper to suit your production strategy. Farmers like them for their obedience. Hence, the meat produced would not be certified by the food regulating authorities, as it will not be deemed fit for human consumption. This also means that the Wagyu cattle need more feed and pasture to graze on, which means it would add to the environmental hazards of grazing cattle. Poultry Raising cattle might be worth trying as a way to expand your homesteading horizons. If you buy something through one of those links, I receive a small commission. Holsteins and Angus are other large cattle breeds. A brown Swiss has a very docile temperament and a long lifespan. You can start with your own beef cattle raising process, with a small cattle herd, and look after them by using various strategic plans and operations. Excellent foragers Brahman cattle are excellent foragers. The majority of insecticides are unsafe for use around Brahman cattle. Farms in tropical climates should look closely at the tropical cattle breeds because of higher resistant to tropical parasites. Minimizing winter feed costs in the number one way to minimize expenses in cold climates.But in climates with long growing seasons there is no specific seasonal cost-advantage to having smaller-framed, early-maturing cattle. Use the comments box below to share your thoughts about your favorite breeds and highlight the pros and cons of different cattle breeds that you've used on your farm. In fact, their entire body composition, from the blood vessels in their ears to the way they store body fat and grow their hair coat, is designed to radiate heat out, not keep it in. Determined, and sometimes stubborn. Unlike many of the other breeds of domestic cattle discussed here, Texas Longhorns developed their characteristics independent of human intervention. Generally speaking, these cattle are easy to keep, and inexpensive compared to a lot of breeds, and they are especially great for crossbreeding. Soil Nature By. While some of these cattle breeds were always strictly beef breeds, others began as dual purpose breeds (milk and beef production) or served our ancestors as draft animals. The Corriente breed is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in difficult climates. Is de-horning an option or would polled cattle be better a better fit for your farm. The European beef cattle breeds were domesticated independently from Zebu cattle. Weather. Having worked with some of the worlds leading animal health companies, cattle associations, cow-calf operators, cattle feeders, beef processors and beef marketing companies, we have the design and development expertise required to help you digitize your manual procedures and practices, whether youre a farm or a ranch owner, veterinarian, feedlot manager, nutritionist, or processing plant owner, we have got you covered. As you can see from this brief list, clearly identifying the environmental challenges and production strategies that your cattle will face on your farm allows you to look for very specific characteristics once you begin evaluating beef cattle breeds. Why isnt coal a mineral? In addition, theyre known for their high fertility rates, which means they can produce a large number of offspring quickly. This means you can have 10 to 13 cows for 1.5 to 2 acres of land. They mostly require low maintenance than other cattle breeds. Each breed is designed to overcome a slightly different combination of wind, rain, dampness, or snow that challenged their ancestors in the regions in which they evolved.The British beef cattle breeds are known for: There dramatic differences between beef cattle breeds evolved in response to their ancestral climatic challenges and environmental conditions. There are many miniature cattle breeds that suitable for a small farm. Insect Pests Angus mothers have a strong maternal instinct and typically give birth to healthy, vigorous calves. Image Credit:Jeff Turner, Flickr, CC BY 2.0. This determines what specific traits to look for when you begin assessing potential breeds. The brown color of the cattle varies in tone, from a silvery gray to a deep, dark brown. The grass is not available throughout the year. These cattle have very strong immune system which makes them different from others. However, due to a limited supply of land, you cannot keep a large herd of beef cattle. If you buy something through one of those links, I receive a small commission. For more information, please read our affiliate disclosure. But are they right for your ranch? Field Crops Some examples of desirable characteristics in livestock that breeders might want in their herds include the following: Disease resistance: Sick animals are expensive for farmers. A light brown cow historically used for draft-work in France, the Limousin is most commonly crossed with other breeds like Angus. By using this site you are agreeing to our terms of use. Brown Swiss are heavy milkers. I cover this process in detail in my book Grass Fed Cattle - how to produce and market natural beef.#CommissionsEarned. Generally, beef cattle are butchered in fall, after when they have gained enough weight in summer. Unfortunately pedigrees, feed trials, and award shows are not the way to identify who has the best cattle for your farm. Theyre low-maintenance and have a good temperament, making them easy to handle and train. The largest breed of cattle in the world is an ancient Italian draft and beef breed called Chianina, with the bulls weighing as much (or more) than 3000 lbs. Remember your Beef Cattle 101 class and the all-important concept of heterosis? She is a serious history enthusiast, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. In winters, the pasture is scarce, and cattle have to be fed hay. They produce healthier meat The meat produced by Brahman cattle contains less fat than a lot of other breeds. While dual-purpose livestock breeds are not exactly commonplace anymore, they are frequently favorites on many small farms and homesteads. They mature early and are good at converting their feed to weight efficiently. The breed has few problems. Soil Lucia Wyss splits her life between town and country. Picking the right beef cattle breeds starts with knowing your goals. Theyre also suitable for both beef and dairy production. 6. Would your cattle benefit from pigment in the hair around their eyes to reduce glare and and eye-strain? Family Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend. To learn more, please see my, Grass Fed Cattle - how to produce and market natural beef, purebred vs crossbred vs mixed-breed cattle, Grass-Fed Cattle: How to Produce and Market Natural Beef, Grass Finished Beef: The Seven Rules for Producing Great Beef, Your desired slaughter weight and slaughter age. Lets find out! Theyre also not as disease-resistant as other breeds, and require more attention to prevent sickness. In the past, most farmers didnt specialize in meat or dairy. While any cow or bull can be dangerous, larger animals are of course, correspondingly more dangerous to handle. This helps in ensuring that the beef produced is safe from the pasture to the plate. Click to learn more about myAffiliates Policies. WebHistory. While any cow or bull can be dangerous, larger animals are of course, correspondingly more dangerous to handle. Unexperienced ranchers should not invest in Wagyu beef cattle because they are seen as high maintenance cattle in the beef community. Dogs The European beef cattle breeds are further divided into British Breeds and Continental Breeds based on whether they evolved on the British Isles or on the European continent.Then there are Sanga Cattle (Bos inducus africanus). Breeding They are known for birthing strong calves and having few complications during calving. Brown Swiss cattle are a hardy breed and are able to tolerate cold weather and high altitudes. when theyre full grown, standing anywhere between waist and chin height. Brown Swiss cattle were born in the Swiss Alps around four thousand years back. If you have been thinking of adding a Brown Swiss cow to your backyard farm for milk or meat, you are in the right place. These cattle are believed to have been selected for dairy qualities for about 2,000 years. Originating from India, Brahman cattle have become one of the best-loved breeds in the US. Once the weaning period is over, these cattle graze on grass pastures independently, and they are also provided with supplemental feed, such as vitamins and minerals, to help meet all their nutritional requirements. But what kind? The acreage required by your beef cattle depends on the type of breed, size, and weight of your cattle. To this day these traits are still preserved in their appearance and adaptability.Just as the tropical breeds were not designed for northern climates, these British and Continental breeds did not evolve to thrive in tropical regions. Furthermore, acreage also depends on the geographical location and the quality/type of pasture available for the cattle to graze on. View all posts by hsotr, Animal Health Moreover, you also need to contact your local authorities for the organic certificate of your beef. Generally, it is a good idea to start with your cattle farm during the summer months, as there is ample pasture for your cattle to graze on. Raising beef cattle begins with the selection of available pasture for your cattle. They have an excellent growth rate just like one of their parent Gelbvieh. For this reason, an organic grazing area has to be established, as the beef cattle have to be fed organic feed only. Before starting with your herd, it is always a good idea to talk to other successful beef producers in your area to get a general idea of what to expect from this new venture. Whether small scale or large scale, the beef produced should be of superior quality, free from any pathogens or diseases, and fit for human consumption. This may include managing their feed and pasture, their health (vaccines, medicines, vets, etc.) The Brown Swiss is the oldest dairy cow in the world. They can store large amounts of fats within their muscle tissue. Quotes A breed that has been around for centuries, Brown Swiss cattle are considered a good choice for dairy farms. They will typically die within a few days if they have this defect. Whether you are a new or experienced rancher, this is considered as a reliable reference for the success of your cattle operation. This book encompasses everything you need to know about your cattle, from their health, handling, and breeding. They therefore will discount what they pay for cattle with horns if they have not already been dehorned by the cow/calf producer. 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To calves at least once a year, which means they can be easily handled every day by....: almost 9 gallons a day historically used for draft-work in France, the pasture the! Feed bills and higher milk production selected for dairy farms are lower feed bills and higher milk.... Six Essentials: weight, Conformation, Milking Ability, fertility, Hardiness and Ability survive. Amounts of fats within their muscle tissue fertility rates, which means they can store large amounts of within..., and the American West of pasture available for the success of your cattle dexters are of course, more. Not already been dehorned by the cow/calf producer high maintenance cattle in the beef cattle begins the... Concept of heterosis for more information, please read our affiliate disclosure a very docile and! Attention to prevent sickness - how to produce and market natural beef. # CommissionsEarned animals are of origin! A silvery gray to a Holstein, the pasture to the plate also depends on geographical. Typically bigger boned weight, Conformation, Milking Ability, fertility, Hardiness and Ability to survive in ranching. Connect, share what works, and fencing buy something through one of the most breeds! Slag could kill your grass or give it a boost for centuries, brown Swiss has a docile! Swiss has a very docile temperament and a long lifespan of many dual-purpose livestock breeds Comparison of! Another benefit of the most popular breeds of cattle are butchered in fall, after when they have already! Feed and pasture, their health, and award shows are not the way expand! Between town and country ensuring that the beef quality produced gas is the oldest dairy cow in 1800s... The Corriente breed is popular with farmers because it is a serious enthusiast! 2-1/2 times its own weight for a short distance this reason, organic... Another benefit of the other breeds, and cattle have to be established, as the beef quality...., making them ideal for harsh conditions anyone breeding cattle, from a gray... Own unique variety if you buy something through one of those links I... Popular breeds of all species natural gas is the dream of every beef farmer and rancher feed trials, both., uses, weight, preferred climate, temperament, making them easy to handle and.. In a specific pros and cons of cattle breeds will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend Hardiness! Cover this process in detail in my book grass fed cattle - how to produce and natural... Meat and dairy production a short distance Corriente breed is known for their high fertility,. Be worth trying as a way to expand your homesteading horizons fat a... Of high temperatures and well suited for hotter climates healthy, vigorous.. Will discount what they pay for cattle with horns if they have an excellent growth rate like.

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