Bulls vs Steers

Curtis B · #1 03/15/10, 05:29 AM

I recently picked up a few Jersey Bulls, that are about 1-1 1/2 yrs old. Neither have been cut, and I am trying to decide on wether or not it would be worth it. I am thinking they could be butchered late summer, early fall. The question is what would the difference be when buthered, other that possible extra fried snacks. I have heard that they can be tough, and that they will "fill out" in the wrong areas. They aren't tempermental at this point, and I know intact Jerseys can be crazy. Just looking for opinions, and experiances when they become food.

springvalley · #2 03/15/10, 08:19 AM

I guess at this point why bother, I would just be very carefull around them , and if you have children, never and I mean never, allow them in the yard or near the yard. These buggers can turn nasty on a dime, and kill someone. And I sure don`t want you to write back in a couple weeks from now and say something has happened to someone you love. So feed them well, and get them to the butcher. Thanks Marc.

tinknal · #3 03/15/10, 08:48 AM

I agree with Mark IF you have very good fences and corrals. Castration at this age can be quite traumatic. If you have poor fences I'd get them cut, or maybe get ahold of a Burdizo (bloodless castrator).

Curtis B · #4 03/15/10, 09:11 AM

Fences are pretty good, they have looked, but haven't tested yet. I already am used to watching behind my back, so I can keep it up for awhile. They have both learned to not look my ram in the eyes, they avoid him now. I have buyers for sides of beef, will being uncut affect the meat (taste or tenderness)? I would hate to loose a customer over a bad side. Also about how much meat should I expect. I will have to post some pics, they definatly have a different body structure than I am used to.

tinknal · #5 03/15/10, 09:25 AM

At 2 years old the beef should still be good. I would go heavy on the grain. Basically you want them to become fat and lazy. If they are typey I'm guessing they will finish around 900 lbs. They can be hard to put fat on but in my opinion Jersey beef is excelent. Warn your customers in advance about the yellow fat (normal for jerseys).

bruce2288 · #6 03/15/10, 09:59 AM

If you decide to neuter they can be banded by a vet with the large banders. It will not set them back much only walk a little funny for a day.

65284 · #7 03/15/10, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinknal

At 2 years old the beef should still be good. I would go heavy on the grain. Basically you want them to become fat and lazy. If they are typey I'm guessing they will finish around 900 lbs. They can be hard to put fat on but in my opinion Jersey beef is excelent. Warn your customers in advance about the yellow fat (normal for jerseys).

I told some of my customers that I had read (and I had) that Jersey fat was yellow because of beta carotene they naturally processed from the vegetation they eat.

I don't remember where I read this, but I would guess it was probably someone speculating on the subject of yellow fat rather than a credible scientific source. I never claimed it was factual, just that I had read it!

Anyway, the explanation satisfied the customers, they loved the meat and always request Jersey if it's available.