caledon101
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2013
- Messages
- 241
In my opinion, the consistently best Shorts I have produced are appendix and all of them would certainly qualify for exhibit in the USA but not in Canada where different rules have been applied to keep them out. The problem with purebred breeding of Shorts in Canada is not the infusion of Maine genetics; it's the infusion of emotion, nostalgia and tradition combined with the fear of change.
A good animal is a good animal and if someone wants to worship this whole non-appendix illusion it doesn't bother me provided they equally understand that there are fellow breeders who feel differently. There is room in the Shorthorn breed for all.
It is sad when I hear about long established breeding operations criticizing appendix animals. There is no such thing as "100%" purity. Even a bar of gold is clearly stamped "99.99%" pure.
When someone starts talking to me about their "100%" pure Shorthorns I respectfully listen but also realize I am getting a religious sermon. I know it's not me they are trying to convince; it's themselves.
Even the most carefully managed Herd Book and Registry has a margin of error. Semen can be mixed up accidentally, bull calves might breed cows in the herd before weaning, the neighbours bull jumps the fence....and so on. Honest mistakes happen. The mandatory DNA testing of all Shorthorn sires in Canada turned up a few surpises.
The Shorthorn breed needs to focus on birth weight issues.
I believe that the breed in Canada needs to take a hard look internally and make a sincere effort to bring positive changes. Like any competent business, it's time to confront the brutal facts and put EVERYTHING on the table for open discussion without pointing fingers or blame...or, treating people like heretics because they dare to put forth new ideas. And I mean EVERYTHING should be open for discussion.
A good animal is a good animal and if someone wants to worship this whole non-appendix illusion it doesn't bother me provided they equally understand that there are fellow breeders who feel differently. There is room in the Shorthorn breed for all.
It is sad when I hear about long established breeding operations criticizing appendix animals. There is no such thing as "100%" purity. Even a bar of gold is clearly stamped "99.99%" pure.
When someone starts talking to me about their "100%" pure Shorthorns I respectfully listen but also realize I am getting a religious sermon. I know it's not me they are trying to convince; it's themselves.
Even the most carefully managed Herd Book and Registry has a margin of error. Semen can be mixed up accidentally, bull calves might breed cows in the herd before weaning, the neighbours bull jumps the fence....and so on. Honest mistakes happen. The mandatory DNA testing of all Shorthorn sires in Canada turned up a few surpises.
The Shorthorn breed needs to focus on birth weight issues.
I believe that the breed in Canada needs to take a hard look internally and make a sincere effort to bring positive changes. Like any competent business, it's time to confront the brutal facts and put EVERYTHING on the table for open discussion without pointing fingers or blame...or, treating people like heretics because they dare to put forth new ideas. And I mean EVERYTHING should be open for discussion.
