 CATTLE
Balance is the theme
in our effort to select cattle that can produce well in our
environment. Emphasis is placed on selecting cattle that optimize
all the production traits including maternal, growth, and carcass.
Our genetic change is
implemented through the purchase of superior bulls and the use of
artificial insemination. All replacement females are raised on the
ranch. Heifers are bred for 45 days to calve at two years of age.
Mature cows have a 60 day breeding season and must produce a calf
each year to stay in the herd.
Red Angus, SimAngus
and Hotlander composite bulls are used in a three breed rotational
crossing system to produce females with an optimum level of
heterosis. A Red Angus seedstock herd is maintained to produce both
light birth weight bulls for use on heifers and bulls for use on
second calf and mature cows.
The ranch has
collected feedlot performance and carcass information on it’s cattle
since the mid 1980’s. That information is used to help in making
genetic selection decisions to continue the improvement of the herd.
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