Page 20 - MWC 10-26-2023s

THE SCIENCE traits in the Shorthorn breed The Midwest Cattleman · October 26, 2023 · P20
continued from page 17 has for too long been over-
looked.
lot of our pedigrees. We don't “There is a false perception
go to extremes, so as not to among feeders in the indus-
lose what makes an animal try,” he said, “The data shows
good. Selecting for one or two that Shorthorn are as good
traits, you'll eventually lose as anything from a carcass
quality and get excess skin standpoint. Independent
or bad feet, or animals that data shows higher dressing
don't hold up well. You'll lose percentages. Using Short-
functionality.” horn bulls on other breeds in
Naylor Shorthorns don't a crossbreeding program en-
have to worry about that, hances marbling.
said Brett. You are not giving any-
“Our cattle are structur- thing up. In fact, Shorthorn
ally good footed, sound and enhances carcass quality like
last a long time,” he said. other British breeds, and has
“Our Shorthorn cows typical- better marbling and carcass
ly make it into their teens, than any Continental breed.”
still in production. Everyone As an Angus breeder, ognized and more respected would be consigned to selling
knows the breed is docile. Brett has seen the benefits through online production private treaty off the farm.
They are the calmest cattle of tooting one's own horn to sales. In short order, they Some who were on the fence
on the farm, with good mater- keep a breed front of mind. went from one online asso- about this form of marketing
nal instinct, throwing calves “But, I think it's important ciation sale to two a year. have seen the success of the
that come on their own and for the beef industry to know In the spring and fall, they recent sales and now believe
get up and nurse.” that if we rely on only one offer up MSA member's live they have a good place to
As president of the Mis- breed for production, he said, lots and frozen embryo and market their cattle.”
souri Shorthorn Association “we will be in bad spot. We semen lots. Naylors Angus & Short-
(MSA), Brett recognizes the need other breeds to provide “The online sales allow us horn utilizes the association
challenges the breed faces other characteristics.” to reach a wider audience,” platforms as well as com-
and also extols the strides The Missouri Shorthorn Brett said. “And it serves the mandeering two online sales
that are being taken to ad- Association is stepping up to small breeder well. In the of their own. Their 12- to
dress those obstacles. Brett the challenge by making the past, those breeders couldn't 16-month-old Angus bulls
contends that one of the best Shorthorn breed more rec- have their own sale and sell November 2nd, with