Shorthorn Embryos for Sale from Davis Rairdan
Davis Rairdan has Shorthorn embryos for sale from some of the
most distinguished bloodlines in Canada. Shorthorn cattle are
making a comeback among cattle ranchers, after dropping off in
popularity a few years ago. Shorthorn cows are very maternal with
very few problems in calving and very seldom reject newborn calves.
Shorthorn feeder cattle are very feed-efficient and reach market
weight quickly, thereby saving feed costs and boosting the bottom
line.
Canadian Shorthorn Breeders
Early Canadians preferred Shorthorns - the pioneers called them
the universal breed. They liked the big framed red, or roan, or
white cattle for dairy products, food and working oxen.
Canada's first imported cattle were likely Shorthorns. Incoming
settlers looked to England and Scotland for seed stock. When the
first Canada Herd Book was published in 1867, shorthorns were included.
The breed traces animals back to as early as 1825 in North America.
The demand in Canada for excellence in the breed saw many animals
imported over many years from notably Scotland. Eventually two distinct
types of Shorthorns were developed - those with beef characteristics
and those with strong dairy qualities.
Shorthorn Breed Characteristics
Today's Shorthorns continue to prove over and over again that there
is an important role for the Shorthorn breed to play in the future
of the beef industry as a whole. While many breeds portray themselves
as being balanced and versatile none compare to the ability of Shorthorn
genetics to adapt and improve in a variety of crossbreeding situations.
The breed of today is medium framed with mature females in the 1400
- 1600 pound range and bulls ranging from 2200 - 2400 pounds in
working condition. They are available both horned and polled with
homogeneous polled genetics also available. The main colour variations
are solid red, red with white markings and roan, which gives commercial
producers different options to select from to suit their situation.
Shorthorn Cows
The maternal value of these genetics, have always been a strong
trait and will continue to be. The female, purebred or crossbred
has long been sought after for it's early maturity, fertility, ease
of calving, milk production, longevity and lets not forget docility.
Take your pick of the traits you require and these genetics can
adapt to your situation.
In the area of performance the breed takes a back seat to no one
in the overall picture. While the average daily gain is usually
average or slightly above, feedlot operators quickly determine that
crossbred feeders excel in the areas of feed conversion and cost
per pound of gain. Recent large scale tests results in Alberta and
British Columbia only magnify these traits in comparison to other
breeds and crosses.
Carcass traits in the past have been an area where the exotic or
terminal breeds have excelled. However with the more recent return
and focus on a moderate carcass with consistent superior marbling,
the carcass traits of this breed have become more popular. Feedlot
tests reveal that Shorthorn influence cattle reach the optimum carcass
weight at an earlier age with a higher percentage of AA + marbling.
While exotic breeds will claim more muscling and larger rib-eyes
they cannot compete with the consistent, well marbled, high yielding
Shorthorn carcasses. |
History of Shorthorn Cattle
About 225 years ago in Durham County in North East England,
the Shorthorn breed had its founding. Achievers - strong
calibre people who had gained notoriety in areas of agriculture,
public service, politics and industry, created the breed.
A Mr. Colling selected a bull at a sale and mated him with
his brothers newly acquired expensive cow - "Dutchess".
The progeny were the basis of a new breed with desirable
traits - larger frames, powerful and docile oxen. They were
claimed to be of superior mothering qualities and produced
above average quantities of milk.
As the breed matured there in the Valley of the Tees, emphasis
was placed on improving the traits. As the reputation of
the cattle spread, Scotland was the destination of some
animals. With vigilance on up-grading the breed, exports
occurred to other countries.
Scotland's chief exports became Scotch Whiskey, Clydesdale
horses and Shorthorn Cattle. From the Valley of the Tees
unfolded a breed useful for big frames, beefy and a natural
capacity for fast and efficient conversion of feed to food.
Combined with docility, the breed was unequalled.
By selecting beef cattle that were good milkers and milk
cattle that were efficient producers, the breed made a huge
impact on the international scene.
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