Why Beefalo... for the Breeder (Cow/ Calf Operator)?

Most cattlemen (cow/ calf operators) have come to the realization that it's Dollars per cow and not pounds per calf that should be their goal. Those who are looking for those 700 pound weaning weights are probably not maximizing their income. Calving percentage should be number of weaned calves divided by the number of cows bred. A dead calf at birth does not add anything to the bottom line even of he would have been 700 pounds at weaning. If a cattleman weans 80 calves out of 100 bred cows and they average 550 pounds, he has 440 pounds of calf for every cow bred. If he weans 60 calves out of 100 cows bred they average 700 pounds, he has produced 420 pounds of calf for every cow bred. (The average calving percentage for the US is 67%). We know that the gestation period for the first cross (Beefalo X Bovine) varies from a few days less to a week less than Bovine. This causes these calves to have a lower birth weight and fewer calving problems. Heterogeneity in this cross provides very healthy, fast growing calves. As the Beefalo still have a higher calving rate due to fewer calving problems and Beefalo mamma cows produce higher butter fat milk and faster growing calves. In addition, Beefalo cows do well on less grain or expensive supplements than Bovine. Even if a breeder doesn't intend to take avantage of the benifits to feeders, packers, or consumers, he is still better off brereding Beefalo.

Welcome, Rondo!

As we reported here earlier, we recently purchased a new herd sire from Done Rovin Farm in Lincoln, Arkansas. LNH Rondo, a four year year old bull raised by Larry and Nelda Hacker arrived on our farm October 4th. Larry had weighed Rondo just prior to our acquiring him and he weighed 1,875 pounds, down 200 pounds according to Larry. We are very impressed with Rondo; his stature, length, overall conformation, and especially his docility. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of some little "Rondos" and "Rondoettes" next July.

Meantime, we still have LNH Pickett FOR SALE (to your right). Pickett who has been our primary herd sire since 2005, has sired many fine calves for us and we feel would make an excellent herd sire for anyone interested in producing quality Beefalo.

Why Beefalo... for the Feeder?

The experiments conducted by Canada from the early 1900's to the late 1940's all indicate that Bos X Bison had a better conversion of roughage feeds compared to Bovine. This data hasbeen pretty well accepted by cattlemen and scientists alike, but it always has been assumed that Bison and Bovine had similar conversions for grain. However the Koch study cited in this previous post reported that Bos X Bison had higher feed cost for Beefalo even if a normal ration is fed. However, for best results the feeder should feed a higher roughage ration to Beefalo to keep the feed intake up.

Why Beefalo... for the Packer?

There have been numerous studies by the individuals as well as a large study by Texas A&M (late 1970's) that show an increase in both dressing percentage and retail cut percentage . The Koch study cited in this previous post reported a dressing percentage for Bos Taurus of 60.7% and a retail cut percentage of 65.9% and for Bos X Bison 64.1% and 69.1%. If you work out the math for a 1,000 pound live animal, you find that you get about 44 more pounds of retail meat from a Bos Bison than you would get from a Bos Taurus. This 11% more meat per animal means that the packer makes more money from a beefalo even if he pays a higher price from it live.

Why Beefalo... for Consumers?

Beefalo has all the great nutrients associated with red meat, is higher in protein, and is lower in fat and cholesterol than other red meats. Beefalo is lower in fat, cholesterol, and calories than chicken (skin on) and similar to chicken (skin off).

In a 1995 study R.M. Koch (Koch, Jung, Crouse, Varel, and Cundif- The Journal of Animal Science, 1995, 73:1271-1281) reported that Bos X Bison meat was slightly more tender judged by a trained panel, had less connective tissue, and had a greater percentage of intermediate and red fibers compared to beef.

Farm Fest Recap

The Ozark Fall Farm Fest is one of the largest gatherings of agriculturally oriented businesses in this area. There was a multitude of machinery manufacturers and animal producers present. Many urbanites came by as well to view all of the exhibits which were all free.

We met many people, some of whom were just curious as to what beefalo really are and others who were interested in a healthier meat. In addition, there were some cattle producers were interested in adding beefalo to their existing commercial herds. We are always interested in promoting the benefits of beefalo to consumers and producers and the Fall Farm Fest was an excellent opportunity to do so.

In other news we purchased a new beefalo bull from the Done Rovin Farm of Lincoln, Arkansas owned and operated by Larry and Nelda Hacker. Pictures of LNH Rondo will be posted shortly.

Tiajuana with Wisteria asleep and Uzi eating hay on the other side of her.