Buying a certain breed

[Farmer Kitty]

"They" being the buyer.

They don't like the white ring=worth less than one with black around it's eye.

Anytime a buyer doesn't like something it means they will pay less for the animal.

And when it's something like color that really has no bearings on how the animal will perform, it's to your advantage to look at them as they will be cheaper.

 

[mjdtexan]

"They" being the buyer.

They don't like the white ring=worth less than one with black around it's eye.

Anytime a buyer doesn't like something it means they will pay less for the animal.

And when it's something like color that really has no bearings on how the animal will perform, it's to your advantage to look at them as they will be cheaper.

Thank You. Heck, I will buy the ugliest cow out there ifin I can get a price break.

 

[jhm47]

The main reason that black cattle are more popular is primarily because of the Certified Angus Beef program. Of course, Black Angus cattle are what is needed to qualify for this program, and they traditionally have brought more at the finished beef markets. CAB cattle have a number of requirements to qualify for the program, and one of the first is that they be "black hided".

I do not in any way wish to say that cattle of other colors are not good. They are. It's just that in this day and age, in auction barns, "black is beautiful".

As for the white ring around the eyes, the reason for not liking that is because cattle with black faces have a lower prevalence of pinkeye. Pinkeye is an infectious disease that often causes cattle to go blind if they are not treated. Flies are what carry the disease from cow to cow, and they seem to prefer the white around the eyes.

Now---I am sure that many of you will vehemently disagree with me on this, but I strongly recommend that each and every head of cattle have an insecticide ear tag put in each ear. This will definitely cut down on your pinkeye problems, and also enable the cattle to suffer much less during the fly season. Be sure to apply the recommended amount of tags. They don't work nearly as well when you try to "skimp" on the amount. If they recommend 2 in each cow, and one in the calf, be sure to comply. Many people have tried different ways to save a few bucks, and put only one in each cow, and one in the calfves, but this won't work nearly as well. The amount of suffering that you will save your animals from is unbelievable. And---they will gain weight and grow much faster if they are not being tormented by these nasty flies.

 

[wynedot55]

your right ringed eyed cattle dont have pinkeye very bad.ive got a buddy that will not buy a beefmaster cow unless shes all red or all black.

 

[mjdtexan]

I strongly recommend that each and every head of cattle have an insecticide ear tag put in each ear. This will definitely cut down on your pinkeye problems, and also enable the cattle to suffer much less during the fly season. Be sure to apply the recommended amount of tags. .

Is this something that can be done in pasture or do you have to have it done?

 

[jhm47]

You will need to restrain the animal. It's best for everyone who raises cattle to have a "squeeze chute". This is a long (10-12 feet or longer), narrow pen (about 26 inches wide). Most cattlemen have a "headgate" at the end. This is a metal gate which catches the cow's head and keeps her from going forward or backward. It enables people to give needed injections, treat pinkeye or ringworm, or put insecticide or identification tags in their ears.

Using a squeeze chute is much easier than roping a cow. It is safer for both the cow and for the person who is treating the animal. The large cattle operations have many thousands of $ invested in theirs, and they are a good investment for them. A smaller operator can construct one for very few $, and it will be just as good of an investment for them. It's nice to have them inside, out of the elements.

If you should ever have to pull a calf, or any of the dozens of other things that might be necessary, you will soon see why a squeeze chute is invaluable.

If interested, I could tell you about some of the tricks in building one.

 

[amysflock]

I for one would like to know the tricks for building a squeeze chute. DH and I don't have any effective cattle management equipment (squeeze chute, head gate, or any type of chute at this point)...if they weren't so blasted expensive we'd just run right out and buy the stuff, but, um, yeah.

 

[mjdtexan]

If interested, I could tell you about some of the tricks in building one.

I am interested, an it seems as others may be as well. I do appreciate that. I have read that one is needed in case you have to have a vet visit your property. I've heard that the vets really appreciate that and some even require it.

 

[wynedot55]

all you really need is a hold lot.an an ally way 28 to 30in wide an 8 to 10ft long.an a headgate in front.an a gate on the back of the chute.

 

[wynedot55]

your rihjt vets get grouchy when its a rodeo to work a cow.