Can I get all black calves?

I was recently reading an article in an Angus publication and it was casually discussing the characteristics of a profitable beef cow. It went on to say, “an experienced cow-calf producer would define this cow as: reproductively sound, calves easily, transmits rapid early growth, enough milk (but not too much), raises an above average calf year after year, moderate mature size, and has reduced feed energy needs.” I doubt any cow-calf producer could argue much with this assessment.

However, what confuses me is why was color not mentioned when in reality the number one desire of many calf producers is they want black calves. Seems odd to me that a “perfect cow” must be able to do all of those things but the color of the offspring is not mentioned. If your cow could do everything this definition states, but shot out a red or gray calf, would you be happy? Most producers would be upset because the first thing to pop in their minds when they saw the color of this new calf would be “that will probably be the best performing calf I have this year, but I’ll take a beating at the sale barn when it sells because it is red.”

So herein lies the problem at hand. Quality-wise that perfect cow is doing everything absolutely right except being the right color. So what can be done to correct the problem? Obviously since it takes two to have a mating for a calf, we need to look at the bull side and see if he can help correct this problem.

The answer is the bull (any breed will do, does not have to be Black Angus) must be homozygous black. A homozygous black bull is an animal that carries two black genes and has been proven by mating or genetically tested to produce black or black factor (gray when mated with diluter-based genetics) calves with every mating. Those red and off-colored cows you have that you are so proud of, and can do everything the “perfect cow” must do, need to stay in the front pasture. They will work fine and you will have black calves.

When searching for a homozygous black bull, this is an excellent opportunity to add a new breed to your current cow base that may favor one predominant breed. For example, if your current set of cows is mostly Angus based (but still get a few red calves every now and then) then, if you mate them to a homozygous black Gelbvieh, Simmental, or Limousin for example, you are not only getting all black calves but also adding that wonderful free dose of heterosis only gained by crossbreeding. Clearly a win-win situation.

Bottom line is if your desire is all black calves you basically have two choices. Stay with all Black Angus and lose the benefits from crossbreeding, or use a homozygous black bull on whatever the make-up of your cows and get all black calves plus the benefits of crossbreeding. As Sherlock Holmes was famous for saying, “Elementary my dear Watson, elementary.”

Fence Doctor now available!

If you have ever had a problem locating a short or problem in your electric fence system the Fence Doctor can solve your problem. The Fence Doctor is a small hand held device that when connected to your fenceline will direct you to where the problem is located.

The Twin Lakes Cattle Assn. has purchased one of these devices and it can be borrowed at no cost from the Clinton County Extension Office. To check out this device, stop by the office or call 387-5404 and Colby Guffey will explain the details.

Till next time, keep putting on the pounds,

Steve