The values that we place on cattle is as varied as we are, what I like to see in a cow is not necessary what you like. If we are going to be able to bring about change in the dairy industry by getting back to grass then WE must work together. We are going to have to come to some common ground and answer the question: What is a good cow? Black and white, colored, tall short, high, components, high volume, how often ? The only fair way to judge cattle is for everyone to use the same yardstick. It the yardstick is total production regardless of costs then almost any Holstein will beat my cows, however if it is on a cost per hundredweight basis my cows will leave them in the dust. Once we have a system that we all agree to we can use it to improve our herds. Think about it, your herd might be light-years ahead of mine genetically, do I really want to spend ten or twelve years just trying to ctch-up to you? Can’t we work together?
There are several tools available to us, the first of which is the DHI association. With them we get monthly reports as to volume, components, and SCC. Last year, I was shocked to find out that a young heifer bag and milk out in half the time but made 30% more milk at higher components. I would have culled her if not for DHI.
The second tool is Linear Measurement. There is an outstanding book out by a fellow named Gerald Fry called ‘Reproduction and Animal Health’; I highly recommend it! Gerald outlines the methods and techniques used to measure cattle and, in effect, reduce our prejudices to number so we are to be objective. He also goes into depth about the glandular system, how it operates, and how to ‘read’ an animals’ potential value or problem based on their hair patterns and swirls. This book will help you take a good look at your cows’ genetics but remember, ‘poor environment nullifies good genetics.’ Below are the measurements of a few of my cows.
| Cattle |
Eve |
Candice |
Buff |
Naomi |
| Neck Length |
34 |
32 |
35 |
31 |
| Body Length |
55 |
60 |
54 |
57 |
| Rump Length |
19 |
21 |
20 |
18 |
| Top Line |
83 |
91 |
91 |
87 |
| Heart Girth |
77 |
84 |
82 |
81 |
| Flank Girth |
96 |
105 |
106 |
105 |
| Shoulder Width |
18 |
19 |
18 |
18 |
| Rump Height |
53 |
57 |
52 |
57 |
| Thurl |
46 |
48 |
45 |
47 |
Reproduction is another critical component of true evaluation. The best cow in the world is only as good as her next calf, that is, if she does not calve within my seasonal window every year. I don’t use a bull who’s dam ha not completed seven lactations minimum. We need to know THAT she produces and WHAT she produces; are her daughters as good as or better than she is? Good records make good cows easy to see.
How do I feed cows? If I feed twenty pounds of corn per cow per day and you feed you feed none, is it fair to compare your cows to mine? Are mine better than yours or yours better than mine? Maybe there needs to be a sliding scale in place: the numbers are adjusted depending on the % of corn fed in relation to body weight.
These are issues that need to be resolved by ‘us’ not by ‘me’.
Harmory Dairy Farms
8325 Hawley Rd.
Williamsburg, MI 49690
231.267.5478
info@harmonydairyfarms.com
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