Shorthorn Breeding Suggestions

[DiamondMCattle]

I have a 3rd calving shorthorn cow that I will be AIng. She is a JPJ x a Double stuff daughter. I have Starburst semen and Assassin semen. I know Starburst goes back to JPJ also but the 95lb Bw of Assassin still makes me a little nervous on her. Any suggestions on which to use. She is pictured with her calf from this year. The calf is out of AT TGS Husker Pride.

 

[DiamondMCattle]

Here is a picture of her in January

 

[Doc]

With JPJ x Double Stuff , I would be concerned that the Starburst wouldn't get very big. I like the Starburst calves a bunch, just have to be used on bigger cows.

 

[DiamondMCattle]

Thanks for the input Doc. Her calf this year was about 80 had to pull it but that was because the front feet were crossed, I think she would have had it otherwise.

 

[mark tenenbaum]

Assasin would be safer than Starburst on her-but Id use something shaped a little different-and larger framed. We had a nice calf out of Jits Touchdown bull-and a JazzxImpact Shaker breeding. I think his new roan one in the last thread on here would be worth a look,also one youve never heard of owned by Bradley Eisminger called Studers Precision-Im going to use him because he puts alot of butt on them-real changer:hes sired by Roanoke Flasnback-so he goes back to the White Leader bull that way. O0

 

[DiamondMCattle]

What's the name of the thread with the roan bull?

 

[mark tenenbaum]

Hes the roanHC Free Spirit son-on JITS thread "One of our Jr Herd Sires"-3rd page now on big show-semen at Hawkeye-JIT is Horseshoe Creek Farms-Canada O0

 

[beebe]

I have more questions than answers.  That is because I am trying to learn.  What are your goals for the calf?  Is this going to be a club calf or is this going to be an animal that will either be a bull or heifer that will be expected to contribute to efficient production of quality beef?

 

[DiamondMCattle]

Right now the goal is to get replacements to grow my own herd, I currently only have two registered shorthorns. All bull calves will be castrated. Eventually the goal will be to sell shorthorn show heifers and steers.

 

[beebe]

I am probably going to ask some dumb questions here, but it is the only way I know of to learn things.  When I read about things on this web site I get curious.  One thing is an animal has a big foot, or big boned.  Those things are stated as if they are good things.  Are those things that apply to show cattle only or are there commercial applications for big feet?  I have not had a big problem with bone breakage in my cattle career.  It would seem that big bones might contribute to a lesser dressing percentage and I assume that the value of the bones in a carcass is less than hamburger.  The only other time I hear about big feet is when somebody is about to pull a calf and they don't seem to be enthused when they see big feet.  I am not trying to offend anyone here, I am just trying to understand.

 

[DiamondMCattle]

On the commercial operation I work on, we do want good bone structure just not to the extreme as show cattle. Our place is about 15000 acres so the cattle need to have hardy enough structure to function and survive in the pasture.

 

[justintime]

Here is a pic of HC Free Spirit 6Y ET. He has been out with 32 cows for almost 6 weeks now and he is looking as good as when he went out. We have semen stored at Hawkeye Breeders Service  in IA . We will be offering the US semen rights in him, but will be selling semen until someone decides to buy this. It is priced at $30/ straw and no charge for certificates as they are required.
His first calves look very good. Most were in the 85 lb range with the biggest we have had being 102 lbs out of a very big cow. They are getting thicker every day.

 

[DiamondMCattle]

I would definitely be interested in some semen in him for next year.

 

[Duncraggan]

IMO, that cow needs some length.  While you are at it, a bull with a good hindquarter and a strong loin would do it no harm either.

You are spoilt for choice in North America, look at some of the Canadian bulls, there should be many suitable ones available in the USA.