During the 1930s, a geneticist by the name Jay Lush engaged in a study that would change the lives of many. He came up with a genetic theory that was later expounded further to give rise to the Irish Black Cattle. Dr. Lush, in his theory, asserted that quality as an aspect is capable of being enhanced continuously through concentrated gene pool. This is especially possible through the concept of line breeding. Maurice Boney advanced this theory while undertaking his research in the 1970s to realize this important species of cattle.
The breed has since been close- herd and line bred to facilitate built-in genetic prediction in effort to transmit their inherent quality genetics for production attributes, fertility and superior meat quality to progeny. The cattle were in addition preferred to as having an attractive feeding capacity, that is, efficiently convert forage into high quality beef.
Their physical appearance wears a dark complexion; black in color with moderate body frame size. In some occasions, red colored calves are born. The animals are moderately muscled, with sound, short feet and legs. The breed concentrates levels of homozygosity necessary in genetic traits, which makes the bulls able to transmit most desirable traits to new borne much greater than the other breed.
Commercial producers have many convincing reasons why they should engage in this kind of rearing. This family of cattle has a fascinating genetic purity. They are widely known for having consistent and predictable results in the calf crop. In fact, they have a history of a four-decade line breeding behind them. As opposed to other family, the individuals have no different blood in their genes other than their own. They also have quality carcass evidenced from their high score in desired carcass genetics. The carcass has low back fat and thus tender.
The species are also resistant and flexible to different environments. Since their origin, they have widely spread and distributed to a variety of production environments. High altitude farmers have embraced them and are yet to report any concern as far as the highland disease is concerned.
Their level of fertility is satisfactory. Bulls in this family contain large scrotal circumference their sperms are very motile. The sperm score is between 92%-98% normal sperm. In addition, they are reported to be able to service on average, 70-75 cows yearly, with excellent display of libido.
Their females are equally productive and good mothers. Puberty to them comes quite early, with a high number of cycles to their first breeding. Cows of this species have a relatively short time for gestation period. The short span of time provides them with sufficient time to get ready for the season to come. It also means less calving difficulties with minimal uterine infections.
The females also calve quite easily as a result of calf birth weight. Black heifer calves poses on average, a birth weight of about 70 pounds. The animals further have a reputation of calving on their own. Their udders are well suspended, with small teats that enable the newly-self born calves to suckle without delay. A good udder is the most vital factor as far as the survival of the calf is concerned.
The breed has since been close- herd and line bred to facilitate built-in genetic prediction in effort to transmit their inherent quality genetics for production attributes, fertility and superior meat quality to progeny. The cattle were in addition preferred to as having an attractive feeding capacity, that is, efficiently convert forage into high quality beef.
Their physical appearance wears a dark complexion; black in color with moderate body frame size. In some occasions, red colored calves are born. The animals are moderately muscled, with sound, short feet and legs. The breed concentrates levels of homozygosity necessary in genetic traits, which makes the bulls able to transmit most desirable traits to new borne much greater than the other breed.
Commercial producers have many convincing reasons why they should engage in this kind of rearing. This family of cattle has a fascinating genetic purity. They are widely known for having consistent and predictable results in the calf crop. In fact, they have a history of a four-decade line breeding behind them. As opposed to other family, the individuals have no different blood in their genes other than their own. They also have quality carcass evidenced from their high score in desired carcass genetics. The carcass has low back fat and thus tender.
The species are also resistant and flexible to different environments. Since their origin, they have widely spread and distributed to a variety of production environments. High altitude farmers have embraced them and are yet to report any concern as far as the highland disease is concerned.
Their level of fertility is satisfactory. Bulls in this family contain large scrotal circumference their sperms are very motile. The sperm score is between 92%-98% normal sperm. In addition, they are reported to be able to service on average, 70-75 cows yearly, with excellent display of libido.
Their females are equally productive and good mothers. Puberty to them comes quite early, with a high number of cycles to their first breeding. Cows of this species have a relatively short time for gestation period. The short span of time provides them with sufficient time to get ready for the season to come. It also means less calving difficulties with minimal uterine infections.
The females also calve quite easily as a result of calf birth weight. Black heifer calves poses on average, a birth weight of about 70 pounds. The animals further have a reputation of calving on their own. Their udders are well suspended, with small teats that enable the newly-self born calves to suckle without delay. A good udder is the most vital factor as far as the survival of the calf is concerned.
