Many Ranchers Have Introduced Irish Black Cattle

By Marla Mills


Beef producers searched for a bigger and better breed of cattle by cross-breeding. This proved unsuccessful when later offspring produced different size cattle which in turns means the amount of premium cut carcass was never consistent. The need for same size and more premium meat along with fertility, ease of care, and adaptability are reasons why ranchers choose Irish Black Cattle. Due to their success most have closed their herds and do not allow any other breeds.

Most ranchers of this bred have closed their herd to other breeds but those that have not find that the genes of the Irish Black are dominate and still produce offspring that have all the traits they want in their cattle. These are a medium frame animal, which is easier and cost less to care for. They are also very fertile and produce offspring with a premium carcass that brings more money at slaughter.

Another positive aspect is that they reach maturity earlier than other breeds do. They can usually be slaughtered at thirteen months and have by that time reached the right amount of tenderness. They have a high marbling level and their dressing is at a rate of sixty-four to sixty-seven percent. This in turn means more money per head.

The fertility rate of these cattle are also high. Females will reach puberty early and have successful conception the first time they are bred. In addition, the gestation is shorter than other breeds, and also results in a calf that is only seventy-six pounds which in turn makes it possible to calve with no assistance on the summer range. Because their gestation is short and the calves are not large, there are fewer complications and they are ready to bred quickly.

Bulls are also very fertile and can be used to breed for up to ten years. Their sperm has a ninety-eight percent motility score. Their scrotal circumference is large. One bull can breed with seventy-five cows annually.

This breed is also very adaptable. They are used in operations in areas that are at sea level up to twelve thousand feet in elevation. In the United States they are found from Montana to Mississippi, and North Carolina to New Mexico. There have also been no cases of high altitude disease being reported from areas with elevations as high as twelve thousand feet.

The market as has a high demand for the calves in the feedlot, as yearlings, and right after weaning in order to introduce the breed to different herds. Most owners though choose to keep their calves because in addition to the reasons already stated, this breed also has a body frame that is moderate. This is important because it cost less to feed and maintain them compared to a large frame animal.

Irish Black Cattle carry their positive traits to any bred their bulls bred with. For these reason they are highly desirable to ranchers. They are extremely fertile thus producing more livestock. Their carcass produces premium meat and more of it at slaughter. They reach peak tenderness at an earlier age of thirteen to fourteen months. These are the steaks and hamburgers, ribs and ribeyes people want on their plate.




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