How heavy

tailwagging · #1 07/03/08, 03:45 PM

I have an mini-zebu cow that I need to get settled. My little bull seems not to know what to do just yet.
She is 450lbs. how heavy a bull can she handle?
I am going to take a look at two this month. one Zebu and one Highlander.

Wags · #2 07/03/08, 06:11 PM

Breeding to a much larger bull will more than likely cause calving problems due to large of a calf. Stick with something that would be an equivalent (or smaller) size to a zebu bull.

tailwagging · #3 07/03/08, 07:51 PM

But how big is too big?
500lbs? 600lbs?
I was told the Highlander is about 500lbs. Does that sound right?

wr · #4 07/03/08, 08:37 PM

I'm wondering if you're looking at a young highland bull because a mature highland bull will weigh considerably more than 500 lbs and if he doesn't, there's something wrong with him. They are not size proportionate to a zebu at all. When you consider your bull weights in relation to calving, you have to consider mature breed weights if you're using a young bull. Is your zebu a cow or a heifer? If she's a heifer, I'd be looking at a zebu bull. I am curious as to why you selected that particular breed and how you find her temperament.

tailwagging · #5 07/03/08, 08:50 PM

She is a cow.
I fell in love with the mini-zebu from the moment I saw them. It took me 14 years to get to a place where we could have them. I like old breeds and this is one of the oldest.
The reason I was thinking about the Highlander was, I milk my cow and the highlander is much much closer So I could go and continue to milk if she needed to stay with the bull.
She is very sweet the bull and bull calf are not.

Wags · #6 07/04/08, 12:12 PM

Well if you like the old lines, why dilute by cross breeding?

tailwagging · #7 07/04/08, 01:01 PM

Simple. Gas $$$$ and time. The highlander is only 20 miles so I could take her there and drive out everyday to milk her if she needs to stay. The Zebu is 62 miles away. I am wanting her bred to freshen her, not start a herd of Zebus. If the Zebu was closer...........

wr · #8 07/04/08, 02:22 PM

Have you considered AI, it would be far easier than driving anywhere to milk her.

tailwagging · #9 07/04/08, 05:25 PM

yes I have.
I found some straws in FL that I could have sent for about $90.00 (most likely more now with gas$$$). But finding someone who has an tank is another story. I haven't AIed in over 20 years and that was only a few times. I am sure I could if it came down to it but finding that tank...........and the shoulder gloves!

Horns Bach · #10 07/07/08, 05:36 PM

A regular Highland bull will weigh well over 1500 lbs, and it would be dangerous, I would think, for her to calve that mix. A good healthy Highland cow can weigh 1000 lbs. I don't know a durn thing about mini-zebu's though, doesn't seem safe to breed to a Highland to her though, unless maybe it is a mini-Highland.

Madsaw · #11 07/07/08, 08:50 PM

Contact the majior AI companys in the USA. They should beable to give you a name and number of AI techs in your area.
Also do a search for mini jerseys or other mini breeds. There is always a forum or a group that you can find and ask questions about breeders close to you. STICK WITH A MINI LINE THOUGH!
Bob

tailwagging · #12 07/07/08, 09:12 PM

Thank you. I looked all over the internet but couldn't find anything on how big they got.
I went and looked at him. He doesn't seem that big. but he is only 2 years. I will continue to look.