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Post by wanette on Sept 2, 2011 22:16:00 GMT -5
I forgot to add, at the AGM I noticed at the sale that some had not tested for chondro or PHA but verbally guranteed that they were OK. When I got home and did some looking around, I realized they had been around for years and had done testing for generations, these animals often brought the highest prices so before you dismiss these animals do some closer checking, you may have found some really nice animals. My cow had never been handled but she has accepted milking with little trouble, once we had someone who knew what they were doing, she leads OK and a bucket of feed will get her to go anywhere, including the trailer.
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Post by hrfohio on Sept 3, 2011 4:46:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies.
Since I'm in an area that doesn't have many dexters nearby, if I can find an AI tech, that is going to be my prefered approach. I'm sure I'll get more steers than I need just from breeding... I've found several AI bulls that are advertised as fully tested.
I have yet to run across a breeder who hasn't tested because they know that genetically there is no chance of PHA or dwarfism. If a breeder did make that claim, I can understand that. but most don't seem to know what I'm asking. So, I'm left to decide is this because they genuinely aren't aware of the testing or because they've tested and are hoping that I won't? So, if I find cows that I like, I have no problem pulling hairs and paying for the tests that I want. But, if the cow can't even be caught in pasture, I'm just a newbie, so for right now, I don't think that is a good match...
My goal is to create family milk cows that can also be used as oxen, so yup, was going to put them to work... I have to haul water to pastures all winter long. It ends up being a lot of fuel driving in a circle. So, am hoping that in a couple years, that will be oxen instead of fuel. I also have plenty of downed trees to clean up and so there will be penty of work for them to do.
SO, that is why temperment is most important to me and milkiness (a real word?) is second. BUT, that is within the restriction of producing good examples of the breed. I would hate to sell a cow to someone who would feel like they got a low quality animal. Yes, I'll have non-premium calves, but when I do, they'll go with complete explaination of why they're marked down (and actually, they'll be the ones that I'd hold back for oxen training to make up for the genetic or confirmation short falls and they'll be absolutely targeted to the family cow market, not breeders)
genebo, I would love to come see your cattle. I'm in eastern Ohio. Your place would probably be a (very long) day trip.
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Post by cddexter on Sept 3, 2011 7:12:35 GMT -5
hrfohio, welcome and good luck. From your posts, you are the perfect breeder: thoughtful, informed, with a set purpose and a visible goal. While there's nothing wrong with someone with a cow in the backyard who's not all that interested in the details, and indeed, this probably describes a vast number of owners (sounds like you've run into some of them), the breed needs others who are concerned about quality, and have spent the time to learn what 'quality' entails. Keep us posted on your progress. There's a lot of knowledge combined in the people on this board, and we are all here to help. c.
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