Finding an Easy calving beef bull!
- Thread starter Martyn
- Start date
Martyn
Member
- Location
- South west
Cows are spitting out Limi calves no issues it's just our heifers we struggle on. Kept them fairly tight all summer.
Ducati899
Member
- Location
- north dorset
I find it fascinating how things vary on different farms,we bred pedigree lims for a good 20 years before dairying and wouldn’t put a lim bull on our heifers that’s for sure,used Hereford’s for years on heifers with little problems but have switched to a Angus this year but haven’t had any calves as of yet from him so watch this space
C&G cows have the biggest calves here by far. Think they might be fine for March calving, but they aren't ideal for September.
@Martyn if calve value isn't a priority, on fb 2 days ago was a Galloway. Local to you. He would cover them no worries
Martyn
Member
- Location
- South west
We are finishing all beef so calf value is needed. What are ruby reds like?.I know fat suckler cows are nightmare but what about on dairy?
They would be extended lactation? Or spring calvers, Netherhall Jack we use for AI they also calved proper
Calf easy but worth bugger all as calves
choochter
Member
- Location
- aberdeenshire
You could try a Bazadaise bull. Bazadaise were first brought into this country from France in the late 1980s to be used on dairy cows because they have a reputation for easy calving. This is because the calves are born small with not much muscling apparent. The muscling develops quickly in the months after they're born.
You would get a good beef calf with the heifers suitable and in demand as beef cows.
There are at least a couple of Baz breeders in the south west.
Pm me if you want names.
You would get a good beef calf with the heifers suitable and in demand as beef cows.
There are at least a couple of Baz breeders in the south west.
Pm me if you want names.
Long gestation arnt they? Plus 285?
Little squeak
Member
- Location
- Lancashire
My simpathy for your problem, I use AI. Yes, it is a lot of extra work but you can use a bull with proven data. I always look for the easiest calving one in the book. As Henarar has written there is more difference within breeds than between them it is no use thinking that one breed is going to be any better than another. No bull breeder is ever going to tell you that they are selling you a bad calving bull ever.
We have purchased BWx calves from a dairy farm that was fed up with calving problems/ dopey calves with other breeds and said he will stick with them now.
https://www.britishwhitecattle.co.uk/cattle-for-sale
https://www.britishwhitecattle.co.uk/cattle-for-sale
choochter
Member
- Location
- aberdeenshire
Average for a beef breed, 284 days, not sure on average gestation length for these calves, will ask and report back
Here's some photos of some baz sired calves out of hol/fri, born this year
Last edited:
- Location
- Owaka, New Zealand
I would suggest a speckle park, the obvious downside is they can be up to +7 days gestation, but they pop out like corks and fill out fast
Jdunn55
Member
- Location
- Helston, cornwall
I keep wondering about simmental? Anyone have any experience of them? I would have thought they'd be easier than limo but still quality calves and the heifers would probably be wanted as suckler cows
dinderleat
Member
- Location
- Wells
Cow killer
No no no
Water Wheel
Member
+1 Couldn't agree more.
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From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and The Rt Hon Sir Mark Spencer MP Published21 May 2024
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