Calving has progressed well, with robust and lively calves, but a small problem is that four huge bull calves have arrived, causing difficulties at calving.
We’ve never had more than one or two of these in years past. Having four that are only halfway through calving is worrying.
These calves don’t follow a pattern. All other heifer and bull calves are of normal size – you could even say perfect size.
We have two breeding bulls that calve relatively easily and each was kept separately with different cows. They both sired these calves so I can’t blame any bull.
There was no pattern on the type of cow that carried these calves: two were of good quality, the others quite plain.
As in other years, the cows were fed both wagon and round bale silage. They were not fed flour or beets this year and silage was severely restricted over the winter.
All cows and pregnant heifers received mineral supplements before calving.
Perhaps the silage was of better quality than in other years. I’m wondering if I should feed them more early in the stall and restrict them near the calving side of winter?
If you look at these huge calves they are strong boned and not overly meaty so was it just breeding that skipped a generation or so?
Other farmers and vets I spoke to all agree that calves were generally larger this season with a few more calving problems.
Swinging out a calf jack at 3 a.m. is detrimental to suckler cow calving, especially when it comes to losses.
Some cattle breeders would disagree, arguing that when a calf needs to be raised it shows it is a decent calf. I do not agree; That’s when the saying “Better a live mouse than a dead elephant” comes to mind.
We have been using Limousin for about 20 years and have been very satisfied with the ease of calving and the vitality of the calves. They also have great growth rates and are a lovely breed to work with.
I’ve been thinking about adding a Charolais or Belgian bull as a sire to the herd. As stock cattle or weaners, the white or yellow Charolais seem to fetch a higher price in markets than other breeds of the same weight or type, and some people claim that they are better killed in the factory than beef cattle.
As we mainly have Limousin red crossbreed cows, Belgian Blue would have been the perfect cross to breed roan heifers which are highly valued in dedicated breeding auctions.
Both of these breeds have many advantages including a great temperament – ease of handling is a huge plus as work is a priority these days.
The only downer is the increase in calving difficulties in both breeds and after the problems I’ve had in this regard this year I may have to reconsider my breeding plans this year.
Perhaps the breed to look at is the Aberdeen Angus given the bonuses they wield.
How long will it take? To be honest other breed bonuses have come and gone but the Angus bonus has increased over the years and is well organized by the Angus Society and Factories.
Also, their meat is well marketed by supermarkets and restaurants.
Over the past few weeks I’ve heard some great flat rate prices for the right kind of Angus beef.
This shows the outdated pricing structure for including quality cattle in the grid system. It is clear that these Angus cattle are in demand and can fetch a flat price plus premium.
With feed prices high, breeds that are easy to meat may need to be considered in the future, especially for the winter finish in this new era of farming that we are in.
John Joyce farms at Carrigahorig, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/beef/beef-advice/john-joyce-why-mysterious-giant-bull-calves-are-forcing-me-to-reconsider-my-breeding-plans-41564461.html John Joyce: Why Mysterious Giant Bull Calves Are Forcing Me to Reconsider My Breeding Plans
