So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Reasons Why Ranchers Choose 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.

When the Irish Black is introduced to an outside breed, their positive dominant traits eliminate genetic flaws of the other breeds. This results in moderate frames, top carcass grade, and dark hides. These traits pass to calves that have been sired by an Irish Black bull.

They grow quickly and mature earlier than other breeds. Most often they can be slaughtered by the time they are at least thirteen months. At this age, they have achieved the proper amount of tenderness with minimal backfat which also means their meat will have a marbling at a high level. Their dressing percentage is at a low of sixty- four and a high of sixty-seven percent. All this information factors into what the rancher receives as payment for the slaughtered animal.

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.

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.

Many ranchers have introduced Irish Black Cattle and closed their herds in order to produce a top quality carcass. This breed has very fertile females and bulls with successful calving on the range. They are adaptable and thrive at sea level and high elevations with no issues. They mature early and are ready for slaughter at thirteen or fourteen months with a carcass that has a large Ribeye area and dressing percentage, and a high level of marbling. This is the steak a person wants to eat.




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