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Our Philosophy:
To raise quality Red and Black commercially proven, genetically superior cattle that are based on years of selection and proven science.
1. Traits: We have spent years selecting for performance, temperament, utter quality and sound structure that helps to increase the workability and longevity of any cattle herd.
2. Body: We select for thickness, length, depth of rib and leg. We prefer a deep bodied cow that moves out well, not too tall and that can wean off a calf that is at least 65% of her mature body weight.
3. Genetics: Focusing on the Leptin gene which promotes higher rate of gains and increased milk production. We also test our Sires for Rib Eye Area (IGF2), Trenderness (PMCH), Stress (CrH4) and more recently (POMC) which is linked to feed efficiency and rate of gain. Our herd bulls are also tested and selected for a negative RFI (residual feed intake) where this feed efficiency is passed on to their offspring. (Need more info on Leptin or RFI go to: What is Leptin?)
Today many commercial herds are made up of a mixture of breeds and commercial breeders are already taking advantage of hybrid vigor. It's becoming increasingly difficult to introduce totally new and different genetics that produce improvements traditionally achieved by crossbreeding. Also, with the demand for hormone free beef increasing the feedlots will soon be turning to other forms of natural growth enhancements like Leptin. With the advancements in DNA research they have been able to identify certain genotypes that are linked to improved performance. Using this knowledge we have spent the last 12 years DNA and RFI testing our herd, progeny and sires for Leptin, etc. which ensures that we stay ahead of the competition. This also guarantees that our seed stock is grounded in performance, structure and heritability.
To raise quality Red and Black commercially proven, genetically superior cattle that are based on years of selection and proven science.
1. Traits: We have spent years selecting for performance, temperament, utter quality and sound structure that helps to increase the workability and longevity of any cattle herd.
2. Body: We select for thickness, length, depth of rib and leg. We prefer a deep bodied cow that moves out well, not too tall and that can wean off a calf that is at least 65% of her mature body weight.
3. Genetics: Focusing on the Leptin gene which promotes higher rate of gains and increased milk production. We also test our Sires for Rib Eye Area (IGF2), Trenderness (PMCH), Stress (CrH4) and more recently (POMC) which is linked to feed efficiency and rate of gain. Our herd bulls are also tested and selected for a negative RFI (residual feed intake) where this feed efficiency is passed on to their offspring. (Need more info on Leptin or RFI go to: What is Leptin?)
Today many commercial herds are made up of a mixture of breeds and commercial breeders are already taking advantage of hybrid vigor. It's becoming increasingly difficult to introduce totally new and different genetics that produce improvements traditionally achieved by crossbreeding. Also, with the demand for hormone free beef increasing the feedlots will soon be turning to other forms of natural growth enhancements like Leptin. With the advancements in DNA research they have been able to identify certain genotypes that are linked to improved performance. Using this knowledge we have spent the last 12 years DNA and RFI testing our herd, progeny and sires for Leptin, etc. which ensures that we stay ahead of the competition. This also guarantees that our seed stock is grounded in performance, structure and heritability.
Things to Consider...quotes or other we've read about Gelbvieh
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Recently
at the National American Gelbvieh Convention, Lee Leachman spoke at a
luncheon and he said, “Tell the world. Make sure they remember
these things when they think of Gelbvieh cattle:
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Probably the most economically important thing that affects birth weight is length of calf. Everyone wants long stretchy calves on sale day because that means weight and we still sell calves by the pound. Well those calves weighed more when they were born as well, and this has nothing to do with calving ease. I have seen some short, blocky fronted English breed of calves that calve extremely hard at 60-70 pounds and weighed 140 less at weaning than stretchy Gelbvieh / Gelbvieh Cross calves that weighted 85-95 pounds. You picked up weaning weight, profit, and calving ease. Length of your calves is money and it is very economically important to you not to give it up. This is why crossing purebred Gelbvieh genetics on any Angus cow base is instant cash in your pocket. You will get instant length and muscle. This translates into cash. (Retrieved, January 2014; From: http://hojergelbviehranch.com/news.htm)
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DISPOSITION AND BEHAVIOR - “Disposition is a big factor and should always be considered when selecting replacement heifers. I think scientific data has proven this,” says Magnuson. Even in the feedlot, calm cattle perform better and produce better quality meat than wilder individuals.
Retrieved, January, 2013: From: http://www.westerncowman.com/december2011/replace_heifers.html |