Confessions of the Sheep/Beef Cattle/Pig Addicts

[AngusLad]

I’m not sentimental about anything, i just would have though a dispersal of 60 sim cows would be better been sold and what you want bought rather than putting them into a unsuitable system and killing over the next 3 years.

I suppose heifers that would suit the system are relatively easy bought but if you were to sell 60 sim cows and try to find 60 cows of regular ages from a herd with known health status etc that would suit the system isn't quite as simple?

 

[livestock 1]

It’s totally different farming stock which is ideal for the job compared to using stock that someone else doesn’t want

 

[unlacedgecko]

It’s totally different farming stock which is ideal for the job compared to using stock that someone else doesn’t want

Done that for the last 5yrs with Shetland ewes

 

[unlacedgecko]

But if you sold them all they would be breeders not culls, others wouldn’t cull a cow be they had to pull it out or do it’s foot. Maybe management might not be so keen on the system and are hedging there bets.

Empties and failure to wean own calf are sold cull.

Everything else gets sold after calving with a calf at foot.

It's management's system. I'm just the sh!t kicker.

 

[Estate fencing.]

Go across the world to advise people but your own boss doesn’t listen to you.

 

[Cowpoke82]

Go across the world to advise people but your own boss doesn’t listen to you.

Fifers for ya

 

[unlacedgecko]

Go across the world to advise people but your own boss doesn’t listen to you.

It's good isn't it? I really enjoy it.

 

[Estate fencing.]

It's good isn't it? I really enjoy it.

Oh dear

 

[JockCroft]

Done that for the last 5yrs with Shetland ewes

Your promoting Shetlands too well.
It's happened before , and several new buyers pushed the price up by IIRC x10.

Then 2 or 3 years later the market crashed and they were back to very few £.
Mind you that was when west coast Blackies were £1 each in Dingwall.

 

[DieselRob]

I am.

But it will take 5+ years to complete the transition. Despite my suggestion, the older cows are not being sold out. They stay until they get culled.

I sell anything empty, anything which doesn't rear its own calf, anything which needs calving assistance or lameness treatment and anything which turns 10.

Is your 10yr old rule just whilst you transition to Angus or do you see cows beyond that age being an issue?

 

[unlacedgecko]

Is your 10yr old rule just whilst you transition to Angus or do you see cows beyond that age being an issue?

I'll keep it in place.

 

[hendrebc]

I doubt fluke is too much of a problem where you are, but if there’s any chance of it make sure they’re clear of it before a test, I’ve heard it from ministry vets that it is suspected of possibly causing false positives.

You won't want to fluke them too near the test either that can affect things as well. Do them well before or straight after.
It's something to do with their natural immune response. If you fluke them near the test they get an immune system boost and they can overreact to the test.
Same with having fluke while they are being tested it weakens their immune system and affects how they react to the test that way.
Or something like that.

 

[Bill dog]

Get some luings

Now you’re a lot closer to Fife ,you should go visit the Gecko .
You 2 can talk coos , dogs , and admire his skimpy shorts !!

 

[ImLost]

I'll keep it in place.

Why? Isn't longevity something you want to breed for? Surely the more productive years you get out of a cow, particularly under a harsh culling regime, the better your stock will be over the long term and the better you return you get per cow??

 

[unlacedgecko]

Why? Isn't longevity something you want to breed for? Surely the more productive years you get out of a cow, particularly under a harsh culling regime, the better your stock will be over the long term and the better you return you get per cow??

No.

Past a certain point, calving problems I crease and calf weaning weight decreases. Due to genetic gain I'd expect younger cattle to be better than older.

 

[livestock 1]

I looked at my list of problems and 11 years of age seems to be the time here when most appear.
I have cows a lot older than that but not that many
A few of us were discussing this and think that in time they will be culled for age like sheep are

 

[Cowpoke82]

No.

Past a certain point, calving problems I crease and calf weaning weight decreases. Due to genetic gain I'd expect younger cattle to be better than older.

And they don’t flesh well to make a saleable cull cow

 

[lloyd]

No.

Past a certain point, calving problems I crease and calf weaning weight decreases. Due to genetic gain I'd expect younger cattle to be better than older.

With all this genetic and selective breeding talk it cant be long
before you pass out as DR gecko.

 

[Cowpoke82]

Now you’re a lot closer to Fife ,you should go visit the Gecko .
You 2 can talk coos , dogs , and admire his skimpy shorts !!

I’m sure our paths will cross at some point plus it’s a good excuse to visit anstruther chipper

 

[lloyd]

Bugger, first retest and 2 cows gone down. A second calver that’s a pr*ck and a 5th calver who’s been a belter.

Compensation on in calvers is an insult.