Cow size

[rmbcows]

For those of you who raise club calves, this question is for you.  Do you have a cut off that you consider a cow too small to produce club calves?  I have a few heifers that never got very big, and I wasn't sure if its worth the time to breed them.  One is a General Lee out of an Irishman daughter.  I'd be shocked if she weighed over 900lbs, think she's big enough?  Thanks!

 

[CRS]

I think it depends on the individual animal. Pelvic size is the major determining factor for us. A 1300 pounder with a little pelvis is harder calving than a 1000 pounder that has an larger pelvic opening. We had one this year we didn’t check and she couldn’t get her 55 pound calf out, she has a date with destiny as soon as her withdrawal time is up. I have another that’s an MAB x Shorthorn and she is 1100 as a bred mature cow and she raises a great calf all on her own every year, I’d take a bunch like her.

 

[jconner2088]

We have a smokin bob cow that I bet is 1050 and she raise a good one every yr. Then our mab cow is probably 1150 and same thing. We have had 1400lbers that we have shipped after 2 carvings cause they just need to much help. I’m will crap pelvic size has more to do with it. We don’t measure but are able to tell with the first calf.

 

[beebe]

Is there a consensus as to frame score for the show aspect of the cattle business?  My personal preference is a frame score 4 1250 lb. cow.  But I am not club calf, I am a grass finished beef producer.

 

[aj]

Beebe......it seems like......the smaller cow deal.......you can wean the heifer calves and then rough them hard. I just kick mine out on cornstalks with the cows. Been breeding them without much TLC. I think that in a big cow program.....you almost have to "develop" the heifer calves with grain and-or in a feedlot type situation. Bring up heifer calves and making cows out of them is the most expensive phase in keeping your own genetics back. Thus.......smaller cows should be considered in some environments and situations.