Looking for imput

[Mike Fronczak]

We have Highlands. I have some concerns with the age of our current bull (to young), everything the guy we got him from has turned out to be false, he said he was 14 months (in January when we got him). We also do not have an animal ready to go to the butcher come fall or once our freezer gets low. I came across a 5 year old proven bull, about 800 lbs, they are getting rid of him only because his daughters are reaching breeding age, the price is below market value even at auction, for an 800 lb animal. My thought is to buy him use him this year & butcher him once our freezer clears out (fall or early winter). Can I keep him in with the current young bull & steer until breeding time or will there be issues ?

 

[WildRoseBeef]

Either it's just me or 800 lbs sounds awful light for a 5 yr. old Highlander bull. :/ I expected a good bull of that breed to be a bit heavier than that, like around 1600 to 1800 lbs, not a puny 800 lbs.

Maybe these folks are also lying about the age of this bull you're interested in, or else are selling him not because his daughters are reaching breeding age, but they can't care for him anymore? Probably unlikely but I'm just thinking aloud here.

Otherwise, I see absolutely no problems with keeping him with the younger bull and steer. Many people do it, and it turns out quite well.

 

[Royd Wood]

I would expect him to be at least 15 to 1600 if not more ????? did you miss the 1 off 800 as 1800 sounds perfect. If you want a future breeding herd then go that extra mile and buy registered cattle in a private sale from a reputable breeder.
If he is 800lb and at a really cheap price you could make a killing by selling him on advertised as a mini Highland

 

[Mike Fronczak]

I was thinking the same thing about him being light, I from the vet & butcher numbers I would guess our cows(registered) are in the 1200lb range. The guy we bought them from had a 7 year old steer that had become his wifes pet, he said was around 2000 lb, I would believe it he was 5' across. I have to go take a look at him, they sent me a picture but he is in a pasture which is awesome, but there is nothing for size comparison. So I'm just going off her number currently for size, from the communications I've had she seems like a honest person, but we will see. Thank you for answering my question about keeping the boys together, which would be the plan until all the cows have calved & cleaned out. I want them on as tight a schedule for calving as I can, we are waiting on the second & third now, the first was born April 29, I know it won't be exact due to nature, but I don't want to be constanly watching for months on end as it seems we are now.

 

[WildRoseBeef]

Maybe you can post a pic of this bull so we can see for ourselves?

 

[Mike Fronczak]

Bull picture

 

[manybirds]

is it possible the older bull is either a mini highland or a mini cross?

 

[WildRoseBeef]

With all that hair its hard to tell what is condition is, but from the hatchet butt and the lack of hair around his hindquarters he doesn't look too good....looks like he needs to be wormed and some groceries. Kind of explains why he's a bit thin.

And the other concern is that he's a miniature Highlander, not a normal-sized Highland. :/