Cattle Size - Breeding Effects
I now own two young bulls who are both non-carriers and will fit into the Dexter height standard once mature. With each generation of heifers (we are grading up our herd), our average herd height is dropping. Some female lines being shorter than others. Our female herd are predominantly non-carriers. Out of 20, we have only one carrier cow and one carrier heifer calving this year.
We also have two older bulls, in the process of being phased out of the herd. One carrier and one non-carrier. The carrier bull has produced some of the tallest offspring in our herd (turns out that he came from a tall line of Dexters), while our non-carrier senior bull produced a more consistant height of heifers. Varying a little, with the height of the cow that the calf came from.
By only using non-carrier bulls that fit within the breed standard, I hope, in the next generation, to produce a more consistant line of heifers, that will all fit within the breed height standard. With non-carriers, what you see is often what turns up in the next generation. With a carrier in the mix, its anybody's guess. I'm looking forward to seeing how much smaller the calves will be from the two young bulls, compared to the two older bulls.
Another thing I have against carriers is the increase in foot problems, arthritis and calving problems. I seldom find these problems in non-carrier cows. No matter which bull they are put to. With carrier cows, the head shape and birthweight of the bull they are put to, has to be carefully assessed, while our non-carrier cows can manage calves from a broad headed bull far more easily.
For ease of management, I would advise any beginner to stick with non-carrier Dexter cattle. They're a breeze compared to the trouble I've had with various carrier cows and heifers.
We also have two older bulls, in the process of being phased out of the herd. One carrier and one non-carrier. The carrier bull has produced some of the tallest offspring in our herd (turns out that he came from a tall line of Dexters), while our non-carrier senior bull produced a more consistant height of heifers. Varying a little, with the height of the cow that the calf came from.
By only using non-carrier bulls that fit within the breed standard, I hope, in the next generation, to produce a more consistant line of heifers, that will all fit within the breed height standard. With non-carriers, what you see is often what turns up in the next generation. With a carrier in the mix, its anybody's guess. I'm looking forward to seeing how much smaller the calves will be from the two young bulls, compared to the two older bulls.
Another thing I have against carriers is the increase in foot problems, arthritis and calving problems. I seldom find these problems in non-carrier cows. No matter which bull they are put to. With carrier cows, the head shape and birthweight of the bull they are put to, has to be carefully assessed, while our non-carrier cows can manage calves from a broad headed bull far more easily.
For ease of management, I would advise any beginner to stick with non-carrier Dexter cattle. They're a breeze compared to the trouble I've had with various carrier cows and heifers.
Inger
NZ
NZ