Sunday, May 25, 2014

The Amazing Traits Of Irish Black Cattle

By Marci Glover


Irish blacks owe their origin to a Lowa state geneticist known as Dr. Jay Lush. The scientist developed a genetic theory where he stated categorically that the aspect of quality can be achieved on a continuous basis by simply concentrating a pool of genes by the process of line breeding. It is this theory that was developed and enhanced further by Maurice Boney under the leadership of Dr. Lush, to give rise to the Irish black cattle in the 1970s.

The breed has since been close- herd and line bred to facilitate built-in genetic prediction in effort to transmit their inherent quality genetics for production attributes, fertility and superior meat quality to progeny. The cattle were in addition preferred to as having an attractive feeding capacity, that is, efficiently convert forage into high quality beef.

The specific animals in this family are generally black in color and have a moderate body frame and size. However, red colored calves are occasionally given birth. They are also averagely muscled and have sound legs and feet. The breed is rather homozygous, which means that it is good at transmitting traits to the offspring. The bulls stand a high chance of transferring most desired parent traits to the new generation as opposed to bulls from other breeds.

Commercial producers have many convincing reasons why they should engage in this kind of rearing. This family of cattle has a fascinating genetic purity. They are widely known for having consistent and predictable results in the calf crop. In fact, they have a history of a four-decade line breeding behind them. As opposed to other family, the individuals have no different blood in their genes other than their own. They also have quality carcass evidenced from their high score in desired carcass genetics. The carcass has low back fat and thus tender.

The life of such animals is not confined to one particular locality. They flourish in a variety of environments, ranging from lowland to high altitude areas. For instance, they are evenly distributed in the United States and other far arrears as Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Canada.

The Irish are exceptionally fertile and productive. For example, their bulls have large scrotal circumference with very motile sperm. They score between 92% and 98% normal sperm and have the potential of servicing 70-75 cows per year. They display quite excellent libido and are often referred to as breeding machines.

On the other hand, the females have an early puberty, with multiple cycles before their initial breeding. They also have a short gestation period that leaves them with enough time to prepare for the next season. The short period enhances smooth calving and reduces uterine infection, which in turn leads to an earlier and more productive heat cycle.

The females also calve quite easily as a result of calf birth weight. Black heifer calves poses on average, a birth weight of about 70 pounds. The animals further have a reputation of calving on their own. Their udders are well suspended, with small teats that enable the newly-self born calves to suckle without delay. A good udder is the most vital factor as far as the survival of the calf is concerned.




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