Sussex Cattle.

[JP1]

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@Wooly when was that picture taken - they really were dual use cattle. Presumably around WW1 when there were no horses?

Triple purpose I reckon

I have some photos of a painting of Sussex Oxen used for draught, strong forequarters accordingly

 

[JP1]

 

[GTB]

The calf was out of a pedigree Sussex cow and pedigree Sussex bull. They don't all look like that particular calf.

Sussex cattle were simular to Romney sheep. Very popular in this area and around the World, but hadn't really branched out around the UK.

Romney sheep have really expanded their UK area in the last few years and Sussex cattle are just beginning to do the same.

Farmers are beginning to realise that having an animal that looks after itself on poor quality forage is more profitable and less Labour intensive than ones that need to be constantly mollycoddled and fed from a bag.


I will have at least 30, 2 year old heifers for sale in the spring if anyone wants to try some !

I take it you haven't castrated that calf?

 

[GTB]

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What are they doing in that top photo? Erecting a new telecommunications mast?

 

[JP1]

What are they doing in that top photo? Erecting a new telecommunications mast?

Probably be more successful than Vodafone around here .....

 

[neilo]

I take it you haven't castrated that calf?

Just for the record, not many pure Sussex come out like the earlier photo.........and it was castrated at birth before it turned out like that.

And to think that calf could have transformed the breed's fortunes.....

 

[GTB]

And to think that calf could have transformed the breed's fortunes.....

O sh!t! I hadn't read that bit.

 

[GTB]

Probably be more successful than Vodafone around here .....

Seriously though, it says "this mill was drawn over two miles by 86 oxen". Why would they need to move a mill?

 

[neilo]

Seriously though, it says "this mill was drawn over two miles by 86 oxen". Why would they need to move a mill?

The first mobile mill & mix business perhaps?

 

[unlacedgecko]

Seriously though, it says "this mill was drawn over two miles by 86 oxen". Why would they need to move a mill?

Found a windier place to put it?

 

[Wooly]

View attachment 452638

@Wooly when was that picture taken - they really were dual use cattle. Presumably around WW1 when there were no horses?

I think the photos were from around 1890.

I will add just one more of another team leading the cart to pick up the London hoppers from the station. It was a tradition to stop at the local pub on the way to christen any newly broken pair of young cattle.

Sorry to go off on a tangent from the first post by @CopperBeech . The answer is too keep them pedigree, especially if you have had cases of TB. At least that way, if any are taken by DEFRA the compensation rates are better than non pedigree.

There is also an extra payment for pedigree Sussex on the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

 

[GTB]

What sort of numbers are we talking @CopperBeech ? If you could justify running two bulls then you could breed the best cows pure and use a continental bull on the rest?

 

[Keepers]

What sort of numbers are we talking @CopperBeech ? If you could justify running two bulls then you could breed the best cows pure and use a continental bull on the rest?

80 odd of them

 

[GTB]

80 odd of them

80 cows would need two or three Bulls. Take your pick

 

[Keepers]

80 cows would need two or three Bulls. Take your pick

I was thinking that earlier today, could actually try a few bulls and do a little go compare trial. Bearing in mind that all progeny would have to be finished at home, so nothing too weird

 

[GTB]

I was thinking that earlier today, could actually try a few bulls and do a little go compare trial. Bearing in mind that all progeny would have to be finished at home, so nothing too weird

I'd suggest one Sussex, one Charolais and one Angus or polled Hereford (for the heifers)

 

[Keepers]

I'd suggest one Sussex, one Charolais and one Angus or polled Hereford (for the heifers)

A Sussex, an Angus and a British blue?

 

[Valley boy]

A Sussex, an Angus and a British blue?

Why a British blue over a Charolais? [emoji848]

 

[Wooly]

A Sussex and another Sussex.

......if you need more than 2 bulls to serve 80 cows then you need to look at your bulls!

 

[Keepers]

Why a British blue over a Charolais? [emoji848]

I have found many Charolais can harder to calve and bigger boned than many British Blue calves (trying to be careful what I say here )
I also just like the British blue temperament and what they have to offer especially when crossed with a native

Just purely from personal experience though

The cattle is this instance are struggling with growth rates and also they would like to increase payment via improving carcass shape/quality, so have to keep that in mind

Any thoughts on a shorthorn?