To Buy or Not To Buy a Q Dog Heifer

[Sambosu]

I am debating to buy another Q DOG heifer.  I have concerns due to one we bought two years ago.  We bought a Q Dog heifer for my son to show but eventually sent it to pasture because it was too short (the one we are interested in buying is totally different and will have no problem with height).  Recently it calved but isn't producing much milk.  My family's philosophy is to send them to town if they don't milk.  Since we have had bad luck with one Q Dog heifer should I be leery of buying another one.  Has anyone else had problems with their Q Dog heifers/cows producing milk.  All opinions on this matter will be appreciated.   

 

[iowabeef]

I have yet to see a Q Dog finish successfully...either heifer or steer.  I would not buy from my experience....

 

[Sly]

I have a Q-dog heifer that calved on her own. And milks pretty good for a heifer.  I think she going to make a very nice cow.

 

[Sambosu]

The heifer I'm looking at came from a cow that produced plenty of milk.  I know that doesn't guarantee anything.  Also, I have talked to a couple of folks a few months back when I sent our first Q Dog heifer to pasture and they all had the same issue with height.  The one I am looking at as an extremely long clean neck and should have plenty of volume.  It also looks like she should have plenty of height.  I plan on looking at it again this coming week  and make a decision.  I appreciate your opinions.

 

[OH Breeder]

The gentleman that actually raised and bred Q dog is on here. You might want to PM him and ask about the dam of Qdog. I know he still has her. I have to look but if you PM me I can give you his name. I think that is the nature of club calf sires in general. You a Heintz 57 mixed bull on a 3-4way cross cow and everytime you may roll the dice on maternal ability. We try to keep our cow base no more than 50 50. I think when you get beyond the 50/50 mix its hard to predict.

 

[bryan6807]

remember the bull does half the work, the cow does the other half. I would stay away from the clubby bred females if you are looking to build a cow herd. sim-angus cows, and  maine-angus cows all make great club calf moms, try going that route and you should not have a problem with maternal ability. I am aware there is the occasional WMW that makes a cow, but they are usually out of a good simangus type cow. good luck

 

[simmyman67]

I would buy her...she could be a really good steer producer down the road.

 

[Sambosu]

I know wanting to buy a heifer that one thinks can compete at a high level and then have it turn into a good cow after its showing days are over is a difficult task.  It would be easier just to buy a heifer for showing and not be concerned about how it will produce as cow but I don't have that kind of money to waste.  Also, many folks tell me that show heifers don't make good cows but I want to prove them wrong.  Lastly, I want my kids to show a calf we raised sometime in the near future.  Maybe I 'm crazy but I think it is worth the gamble to keep buying show heifers in an effort to raise a steer my family can all be proud to haul around.  After I buy a heifer this weekend I will post it on here and get all of your thoughts.  Thanks for your comments. <beer>