EaglesNest
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2012
- Messages
- 47
Hi All,
I am a relatively new Shorthorn breeder. I entered in breed knowing very little about shorthorns as My father an I had been a Salers breeders since 1984. When I got interested in getting back into registered stock after college I discovered a sad thing had occurred, there were virtually no pure Salers left all have been cross-bred black. True Salers are red! I don't mind if ppl chose to crossbreed cattle for those seeking heterosis that's fine but don't call the offspring purebred bc that is a lie. Having said that I discovered soon after purchasing first shorthorns that they too do the same thing. However bc of their bylaws can't have black purebred so they opt to cross w red Maine anjou which for first calf heifers is like giving birth to an elephant. Two distinct branches exist in shorthorns, those breeding for club calves and those breeding for functional cattle.
I have found out about native shorthorns which for those who don't know are the pure stock. I will admit I have some of both performance and natives, but am gradually weeding out the performance females and replacing with natives. I do not like the calving problems the Maine influenced shorthorns have. I don't understand why anyone would especially since several of the mainstream bulls throw huge calves, that often times are born dead. Not being smartypants but I'd take a 55# live calf any day over a 100# dead one any day.
I do not mean to insult anyone I just feel that regardless of breed no crossbred animal should be called purebred. Not saying crossbred cattle are bad in and of themselves just think they should have to declare blood percentages on reg papers.
I am a relatively new Shorthorn breeder. I entered in breed knowing very little about shorthorns as My father an I had been a Salers breeders since 1984. When I got interested in getting back into registered stock after college I discovered a sad thing had occurred, there were virtually no pure Salers left all have been cross-bred black. True Salers are red! I don't mind if ppl chose to crossbreed cattle for those seeking heterosis that's fine but don't call the offspring purebred bc that is a lie. Having said that I discovered soon after purchasing first shorthorns that they too do the same thing. However bc of their bylaws can't have black purebred so they opt to cross w red Maine anjou which for first calf heifers is like giving birth to an elephant. Two distinct branches exist in shorthorns, those breeding for club calves and those breeding for functional cattle.
I have found out about native shorthorns which for those who don't know are the pure stock. I will admit I have some of both performance and natives, but am gradually weeding out the performance females and replacing with natives. I do not like the calving problems the Maine influenced shorthorns have. I don't understand why anyone would especially since several of the mainstream bulls throw huge calves, that often times are born dead. Not being smartypants but I'd take a 55# live calf any day over a 100# dead one any day.
I do not mean to insult anyone I just feel that regardless of breed no crossbred animal should be called purebred. Not saying crossbred cattle are bad in and of themselves just think they should have to declare blood percentages on reg papers.