DOC HARRIS
Well-known member
Soapweed-
Your "Middle-of-the-Road" protocol is one which more breeders should have been using years ago, rather than spouting the old cliche' over and over that "...we are selling pounds aren't we??" That tired platitude didn't take into consideration the COSTS involved in feeding large, unprofitable cows, and chasing the wrong EPD's indiscriminately with little thought as to the ultimate consequences - too much Milk results in lack of Fertility, too much YW results in cows that mature at 1600 lbs or 1800 lbs, or too darned big for any profit from their calves! Low BW ( -1.5 or even less) sounds wonderful, but it parallels High Milk, and resulting loss of Hind Quarter Muscle Mass (FUNNEL BUTTS!), and you KNOW what I think of Funnel Butts!
"Middle of the Road" is a fine goal to pursue, IF you select Bulls which are moderate framed, but possess strong Functional traits, and retain Marbling and Rib Eye characterstics, and carcass merit - without exacerbating Frame Size and excessive YW. It is a fine line that is drawn to keep a correct balance within all of the characteristics which determine PROFIT!
When the high sounding phrases are all finished (just as in Politics), the bottom line results are what REALLY count. Selecting the wrong Bull (just as selecting the wrong Presidential PARTY)) can be the cause of disaster and chaos! When you get right down to it - - it is important as to how INFORMED the people are who make the final decision and selection!!
DOC HARRIS
Your "Middle-of-the-Road" protocol is one which more breeders should have been using years ago, rather than spouting the old cliche' over and over that "...we are selling pounds aren't we??" That tired platitude didn't take into consideration the COSTS involved in feeding large, unprofitable cows, and chasing the wrong EPD's indiscriminately with little thought as to the ultimate consequences - too much Milk results in lack of Fertility, too much YW results in cows that mature at 1600 lbs or 1800 lbs, or too darned big for any profit from their calves! Low BW ( -1.5 or even less) sounds wonderful, but it parallels High Milk, and resulting loss of Hind Quarter Muscle Mass (FUNNEL BUTTS!), and you KNOW what I think of Funnel Butts!
"Middle of the Road" is a fine goal to pursue, IF you select Bulls which are moderate framed, but possess strong Functional traits, and retain Marbling and Rib Eye characterstics, and carcass merit - without exacerbating Frame Size and excessive YW. It is a fine line that is drawn to keep a correct balance within all of the characteristics which determine PROFIT!
When the high sounding phrases are all finished (just as in Politics), the bottom line results are what REALLY count. Selecting the wrong Bull (just as selecting the wrong Presidential PARTY)) can be the cause of disaster and chaos! When you get right down to it - - it is important as to how INFORMED the people are who make the final decision and selection!!
DOC HARRIS