Posted by Ted Neal on February 19, 2004 at 22:13:04:
In Reply to: Re: Compulsory Bull Inspections ? posted by Robert Kirk on February 18, 2004 at 22:09:44:
I presently have 5 steers sired by two different bulls out of 3 different female bllod-lines. All of which would have made excellent bulls. I do not have the finance to register bulls, so all of my males are ringed. (If a get a good one this time I may be tempted to keep it as both sires are dead). I know what I like in a bull and most of the time can see it in the young bulls I buy at around 10 months. Occasionally they do not mature as well as I like and will be slaughtered. My present bull has not matured too well, and depending on what his two calves (due next month) look like may not be used again.
Unfortunately the folks with one or two cows usually have the resources to register all their calves and as a result many males are registered and used. At the present moment statistically this probably does not matter whilst the larger herds are able to selectively mate and produce not just a variation on bloodlines but a good looking bull. As regards inspectors it is essential that they know what a good beast looks like before applying the breed standard.
As an ordinairy member, I believe that inspections are more desirable than not inspecting, because so many members have never kept any sort of cattle before and need the expertise of the experienced cattleperson.
I agree on the beef side, Dexter Beef is a "Product of Distinction" and should be recognised as such and registered as such in the EU. We need to get information on weight gains (the use of a weighband would be fine). This would then help in showing 400 day weight gains and show which bulls put more into their progeny and which female lines benefit the breed.
Whilst having a thriving beef market myself, I would still be interested in any information as to how you get beef into the restaurant trade and how many beasts you need to maintain a continuity of supply.