Friday, September 27, 2013

Reasons Why Ranchers Choose Irish Black Cattle

By Marla Mills


Beef producers searched for a bigger and better breed of cattle by cross-breeding. This proved unsuccessful when later offspring produced different size cattle which in turns means the amount of premium cut carcass was never consistent. The need for same size and more premium meat along with fertility, ease of care, and adaptability are reasons why ranchers choose Irish Black Cattle. Due to their success most have closed their herds and do not allow any other breeds.

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.

They are very fertile with the females reaching puberty early and often able to conceive after being bred for the first time. There is a short gestation period which results in fewer problems when calving and a lower number of uterine infections. The calves usually have a birth weight of seventy pounds with bull calves at seventy-six pounds. Most often the calf is born on the summer range as this breed has proven they can calve on their own. This all results in the next cycle of the female being more fertile and occurring more often.

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.

These cattle also flourish in all types of weather and elevations. Warm or cold climates have no negative effects and they can be found all over the United States. Elevations as high as twelve thousand feet do not have any adverse effect on them nor does living at sea level. They can be found from Mississippi to Colorado and from the Carolina's to New Mexico.

The market as has a high demand for the calves in the feedlot, as yearlings, and right after weaning in order to introduce the breed to different herds. Most owners though choose to keep their calves because in addition to the reasons already stated, this breed also has a body frame that is moderate. This is important because it cost less to feed and maintain them compared to a large frame animal.

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.




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