Click on image to go to Author Website

Thursday 26 September 2013

Many Ranchers Have Introduced Irish Black Cattle

By Marla Mills


The attempt by cattle ranchers to produce desirable traits in their herd by cross-breeding proved to be unsuccessful. There was a noticeable decrease in consistency in cow size which means the cut size of the herd is not consistent. To remedy this, many ranchers have introduced Irish Black Cattle and closed their herds.

The dominate genetic traits of the Irish Black, results in positive herd size. A moderate frame animal is easier and most cost effective to care for. This breed also has premium cut carcass grade and dark hides. It has been found that the Irish Black bulls have a higher capacity to pass these characteristics on to any calves they sire. As a result ranchers closed their herd to other breeds.

They grow rapidly and mature early. They usually reach slaughter tenderness by they time they are thirteen to fourteen months. Their carcass have minimal backfat which enhances their marbling level and tenderness. This results in in an improved Ribeye area and dressing percentage. The Ribeyes are usually thirteen to fourteen inches with a high level of marbling.

The fertility rate of these cattle are also high. Females will reach puberty early and have successful conception the first time they are bred. In addition, the gestation is shorter than other breeds, and also results in a calf that is only seventy-six pounds which in turn makes it possible to calve with no assistance on the summer range. Because their gestation is short and the calves are not large, there are fewer complications and they are ready to bred quickly.

Bulls are also very fertile and can be used to breed for up to ten years. Their sperm has a ninety-eight percent motility score. Their scrotal circumference is large. One bull can breed with seventy-five cows annually.

This breed is also very adaptable. They are used in operations in areas that are at sea level up to twelve thousand feet in elevation. In the United States they are found from Montana to Mississippi, and North Carolina to New Mexico. There have also been no cases of high altitude disease being reported from areas with elevations as high as twelve thousand feet.

Due to these traits, the calves are in high demand after weaning, in the feedlot, and as yearlings. However, many producers choose to keep their calves due to their superior carcass and their moderate frame as they mature. Cattle with a moderate frame cost less to maintain compared to larger framed cows. This is in addition to all the other positive traits this breed has.

Reasons why ranchers choose Irish Black Cattle is due to their strong genetic make up and the ability to pass it on to other breeds. The bulls are successful at breeding with seventy-five cows each year for as long as ten years, the females are fertile and usually calve with no need for assistance. Their carcass has a high percentage of dressing which results in more money at slaughter and they can thrive almost any place.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment