Cattle have a dual role: They need to efficiently convert grass into beef and they need to improve the range on which they graze. Neither of these roles are currently being fulfilled.
Large frame cattle are genetically handicapped. They require “high-octane” feed. Small frame cattle have an unfair advantage.
According to conventional wisdom, fertility is lowly heritable. If that is true, then little progress can be made through selection. If that is true, then “survival of the fittest” does not apply. Fortunately it is NOT true.
No one will deny the importance of body condition (nutrition + genetics) in determining fertility. Why, then, are most cows forced to calve when naturally occurring nutrition is at its worst?
Milk has priority over fat in terms of nutrients. High milk producing beef cows require dairy cow nutrition in order to conceive.
From Johann Zietsman (Zimbabwe)
