Author Topic: Cattle breeds (Read 5073 times)

Loobylou · « **on:** August 11, 2015, 07:47:08 pm »

So what's everyone's preference on cattle breeds? Big, small, traditional?

shygirl · « **Reply #1 on:** August 11, 2015, 09:07:08 pm »

couldn't fault my shetlands.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #2 on:** August 11, 2015, 09:14:07 pm »

Herefords - calm, docile, long-lived, easy to sell - Traditional not Modern, though.

Carse Goodlifers · « **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2015, 09:16:38 pm »

Sadly I don't have any myself but English Longhorns are the breed for me

langfauld easycare · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2015, 10:16:30 pm »

Quote from: Marches Farmer on August 11, 2015, 09:14:07 pm

Herefords - calm, docile, long-lived, easy to sell - Traditional not Modern, though.

herefords modern not traditional

nutterly_uts · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2015, 10:21:23 pm »

Luuuurve the Jerseys but the traditional herefords I've met have been gorgeous so I think they are second choice

Not that I have any cows at the mo

Do like the look of the Irish Moiled too though

Factotum · « **Reply #6 on:** August 12, 2015, 08:26:34 am »

Shetlands here too.

Not too large, will maintain body condition on grass alone, can out winter given some shelter, easy to handle, good milkers and great tasting beef.

Sue

Rosemary · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2015, 09:02:48 am »

Don't regret going with Shetlands for all the reasons Factotum lists. And I like to think we're helping to preserve a bit of Scotland's social history

devonlady · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2015, 10:34:30 am »

If I had the land I would have Jerseys and Belted Galloways.

Cowgirl · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2015, 11:27:47 pm »

Traditional Herefords - reasons as above.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2015, 11:45:37 pm »

Depends on the job you want them to do, the land and buildings you have and a host of other factors.

Rough grazers needing nothing more than a bit of hay in winter, to outwinter and produce a good calf every year - here in Cumbria you can't beat a Blue Grey (Whitebred Shorthorn x Galloway), we use an Angus bull on ours.

My own cows are Jerseys; I love to handmilk and use the milk, plus they rear their own and some bought-in calves - so they're good little workers, but hands-off they are not!

Are you asking out of general interest or are you thinking of getting some for yourself? If the latter, tell us more about the land, buildings, climate and conditions, and your own situation (full time or part-time stock-keeper, living on the land or a drive away, etc.)

Loobylou · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2015, 07:09:13 am »

Just really asking to find opinions of others. Just want to know what others prefer for themselves and why. Maybe looking for something quite easy to keep and docile.

Backinwellies · « **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2015, 07:40:48 am »

Number 1 .... Jerseys but in Wet wales with no winter housing ...... I've got Shetlands and Dexters and love them both for different reasons ............. Shetlands are docile and individual looking with lovely markings, Dexters are charactors having to check out anything new.