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Post by midhilldexters on Jun 1, 2013 6:49:07 GMT -5
Oh wasn't trying to say they were constructed the same, just mind wondering and saying if it causes pain in horses maybe could in cows to, I know squat about horses.
Carol K
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Post by cddexter on Jun 1, 2013 9:18:42 GMT -5
I really feel obligated to comment on the high tailhead indicating an easy calver. This is truly a case of it could be, but for other reasons.
1. pelvic girdle. the most desired angle between the hook (hip), thurl (leg socket), and pin (tailbone) is 90 degrees. narrower or wider and the calf channel is at a bad angle or is too tight.
2. it isn't the height of the tailhead that matters, it's the distance between the underside of the tail and the top of the pins. This can be affected by where the tail separates from the body. Double up those traits, and you are looking at trouble. And, if the tail separates too far back on the spine, you get a flat concave surface at the vulva, where poop and mucus can collect which can lead to infection.
Simple, serious, practical issues that SHOULD be looked at when selecting for quality. These traits don't stop the cow from calving, just make calving more difficult and more susceptible to problems.
Some of you might think that just because the cow makes it to 20, everything is fine and she doesn't need improvement. Wrong. It is the responsibility of every person who considers him or herself a 'breeder' to try to make the subsequent generations of better quality with fewer issues. Gene says it doesn't matter if the teats are too close. Well, we've all seen his idea of the perfect udder...and if we can breed animals where the teats have good spacing, shouldn't we be working toward that instead?
IMO, cheers, c.
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Post by tarsallat on Jun 1, 2013 18:48:11 GMT -5
Great explanation on angles, I know what I mean but can't put it in words. You write it so well. You're right, a cow can live to 20 and have calves but with what intervention. With an owner watching every breath it takes to help when needed, when we need traits for cows that can look after themselves. Agree whole heartedly with you on improving on these characteristics, and not have blinkers on, which requires selection of cattle and keeping the better ones. Cows have good udders for a reason. Hey Carole K, don't know about horses, that's why I asked. Does anyone know about horse structure compared to cows and if they get foaling paralysis.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2013 16:56:51 GMT -5
Sorry to raise this topic up again – but it has me extremely interested. Patti - this is your fault (in the most wonderful of ways - you have sparked a considerable interest for us downunder on the topic ) I went to UC Davis website as their link appeared when I was trying to research Mitochondria during our recent discussions here. And found UC Davis is now testing for this: Here’s the spiel from their site for those who are interested. ___________________________ Mitochondria are organelles responsible for critical cellular functions. Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA) and are inherited maternally, that is, transmitted only through the female line. mtDNA sequence is used to verify maternal lineages. In horse cloning, mtDNA analysis in conjunction with nuclear DNA testing is used to validate that an individual is a clone. The sample requirement is a sample from the subject animal along with a sample from at least one of the subject's maternal relatives. _____________________________ Has anyone undertaken to have this test done? Or does anyone know what the results are going to provide for you? I understand it’s verifying maternal lineages, as in the statement – but does this mean its verifying “purity” or is it another aspect for DNA Parent Verification? I am already in conversations with UC Davis – but I cant expect to take up all their precious time answering my every whim, when they should be busy testing They are a fantastic bunch of people there, I have to say
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