Post by Olga on Mar 29, 2012 8:38:26 GMT -5
Impromptu Acres farm has been around for less than 10 years and has contributed a mere 10 new animals to the breed. But we too have an opinion on polled:
We see it as an option.
For the longest time all our animals were horned. After a while, we had to dehorn our 1st bull because he learned to pick up fences out of the ground, whether wire, cattle panel, or electric - using his horns. We dehorned a cow who intimidated us with her pitch-fork horns and paranoid attitude. We dehorned a pet heifer before she could be a petting zoo animal. Over the years our cows wasted extra hay due to their horns. Recently we had to put down a goat because it got its head stuck in the fence - and the bull took advantage to poke and prod it with his horns, giving it a hernia. Then there are cows who have a hierarchy among themselves and use horns as an ultimate "get out of my way" tool - many have scratch marks on their rears and flanks.
On the other hand I like the way horns look. Also, you couldn't have a hornless ox. Horns help cattle stay cool in summer. I know some buyers want traditional horned cattle.
But ultimately, it's an option. Black, red, dun. Chondro+ or chondro-. Horned and polled.
We see it as an option.
For the longest time all our animals were horned. After a while, we had to dehorn our 1st bull because he learned to pick up fences out of the ground, whether wire, cattle panel, or electric - using his horns. We dehorned a cow who intimidated us with her pitch-fork horns and paranoid attitude. We dehorned a pet heifer before she could be a petting zoo animal. Over the years our cows wasted extra hay due to their horns. Recently we had to put down a goat because it got its head stuck in the fence - and the bull took advantage to poke and prod it with his horns, giving it a hernia. Then there are cows who have a hierarchy among themselves and use horns as an ultimate "get out of my way" tool - many have scratch marks on their rears and flanks.
On the other hand I like the way horns look. Also, you couldn't have a hornless ox. Horns help cattle stay cool in summer. I know some buyers want traditional horned cattle.
But ultimately, it's an option. Black, red, dun. Chondro+ or chondro-. Horned and polled.