Sunday, September 29, 2013

Many Ranchers Have Introduced Irish Black Cattle

By Marla Mills


Ranchers tried cross-breeding in the search for bigger and better cattle for slaughter. What happened though is by the third generation, the size and traits varied greatly which made it difficult to ensure top price per head. What they did discover is that Irish Black Cattle carry their positive traits of uniform size cattle, premium carcass, fertility, and adaptability to any calf they sire.

When the Irish Black is introduced to an outside breed, their positive dominant traits eliminate genetic flaws of the other breeds. This results in moderate frames, top carcass grade, and dark hides. These traits pass to calves that have been sired by an Irish Black bull.

Another positive aspect is that they reach maturity earlier than other breeds do. They can usually be slaughtered at thirteen months and have by that time reached the right amount of tenderness. They have a high marbling level and their dressing is at a rate of sixty-four to sixty-seven percent. This in turn means more money per head.

The fertility rate of these cattle are also high. Females will reach puberty early and have successful conception the first time they are bred. In addition, the gestation is shorter than other breeds, and also results in a calf that is only seventy-six pounds which in turn makes it possible to calve with no assistance on the summer range. Because their gestation is short and the calves are not large, there are fewer complications and they are ready to bred quickly.

Bulls are also very fertile and can be used to breed for up to ten years. Their sperm has a ninety-eight percent motility score. Their scrotal circumference is large. One bull can breed with seventy-five cows annually.

This breed is also very adaptable. They are used in operations in areas that are at sea level up to twelve thousand feet in elevation. In the United States they are found from Montana to Mississippi, and North Carolina to New Mexico. There have also been no cases of high altitude disease being reported from areas with elevations as high as twelve thousand feet.

In addition to commanding premium prices at slaughter, the calves are also in demand. As young as just being weaned up to yearlings, ranchers want them to introduce to their own herd. The ease of care, high fertility rate, premium carcass, and their medium body frame all make them highly desirable.

Many ranchers have introduced Irish Black Cattle and closed their herds in order to produce a top quality carcass. This breed has very fertile females and bulls with successful calving on the range. They are adaptable and thrive at sea level and high elevations with no issues. They mature early and are ready for slaughter at thirteen or fourteen months with a carcass that has a large Ribeye area and dressing percentage, and a high level of marbling. This is the steak a person wants to eat.




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