Used some EXT blood here in the past, didn't take long to see that we wanted to stay away from them especially since this is a mom and pop and kids outfit.

I agree with Soapweed on the hand feeding really gentles cattle down. I hand feed my replacement heifers. They are gathered every day out of a small pasture with a horse until they start coming in on their own, gets them used to being moved with horses too. The difference shows up when calving the 2 yr olds.  Several years ago I was short of feed and had my heifers wintered in a feedlot, boy what a difference come calving time. Some otherwise good cows went down the road that fall due to disposition. I'll buy feed and keep them home if I get that short of feed again.