The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: Loobylou on August 11, 2015, 07:47:08 pm
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So what's everyone's preference on cattle breeds? Big, small, traditional?
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couldn't fault my shetlands. :love:
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Herefords - calm, docile, long-lived, easy to sell - Traditional not Modern, though.
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Sadly I don't have any myself but English Longhorns are the breed for me :cow:
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Herefords - calm, docile, long-lived, easy to sell - Traditional not Modern, though.
:wave: herefords modern not traditional :thumbsup:
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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 :D
Do like the look of the Irish Moiled too though
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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
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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 :hugcow:
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If I had the land I would have Jerseys and Belted Galloways.
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Traditional Herefords - reasons as above.
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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.)
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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.
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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.