Irish Black Cattle Carry Their Positive Traits

By Marla Mills


Beef producers searched for a bigger and better breed of cattle by cross-breeding. This proved unsuccessful when later offspring produced different size cattle which in turns means the amount of premium cut carcass was never consistent. The need for same size and more premium meat along with fertility, ease of care, and adaptability are reasons why ranchers choose Irish Black Cattle. Due to their success most have closed their herds and do not allow any other breeds.

Most ranchers of this bred have closed their herd to other breeds but those that have not find that the genes of the Irish Black are dominate and still produce offspring that have all the traits they want in their cattle. These are a medium frame animal, which is easier and cost less to care for. They are also very fertile and produce offspring with a premium carcass that brings more money at slaughter.

They grow rapidly and mature early. They usually reach slaughter tenderness by they time they are thirteen to fourteen months. Their carcass have minimal backfat which enhances their marbling level and tenderness. This results in in an improved Ribeye area and dressing percentage. The Ribeyes are usually thirteen to fourteen inches with a high level of marbling.

Another important trait is the fertility of this breed. The females are extremely fertile and will have several cycles early resulting in conception the first time they are bred. Their gestation is short which promotes easy calving and fewer or no complications. The calves are usually no larger than seventy-six pounds making it easy to calve on the summer range with no assistance.

The Bulls are also excellent breeders. They have a large scrotal circumference and motile sperm with scores of 92-98%. They also have excellent libido and can service seventy to seventy-five cows per year. Bulls can work up to ten years of age.

These cattle also flourish in all types of weather and elevations. Warm or cold climates have no negative effects and they can be found all over the United States. Elevations as high as twelve thousand feet do not have any adverse effect on them nor does living at sea level. They can be found from Mississippi to Colorado and from the Carolina's to New Mexico.

In addition to commanding premium prices at slaughter, the calves are also in demand. As young as just being weaned up to yearlings, ranchers want them to introduce to their own herd. The ease of care, high fertility rate, premium carcass, and their medium body frame all make them highly desirable.

Many ranchers have introduced Irish Black Cattle and closed their herds in order to produce a top quality carcass. This breed has very fertile females and bulls with successful calving on the range. They are adaptable and thrive at sea level and high elevations with no issues. They mature early and are ready for slaughter at thirteen or fourteen months with a carcass that has a large Ribeye area and dressing percentage, and a high level of marbling. This is the steak a person wants to eat.




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