Dexter questions

Laura Workman · #1 09/08/10, 11:35 PM

I'm looking at a 15-month-old heifer that stands about 40" at the shoulder. How much taller do you think she'll get?

She has a brucellosis tag in her ear, and I got the number. Is there a way to find out who her breeder is using the number from the tag? (The person selling her has no idea, as there was an intermediate owner.)

Thanks!

G. Seddon · #2 09/09/10, 07:04 AM

I think the brucellosis tag numbers can be traced through the state dept of agriculture -- a large animal vet should be able to tell you where to call. The owner's name and address are put on the OCV form (Official Calfhood Vaccination) -- at least that's what happens in Virginia.

Hard to tell at 15 months...they can grow quite a bit until they're 4 or 5. It will depend on whether or not the heifer carries chondrodysplasia, which keeps them small.

I gather you have no registration or testing information on this heifer. If you can talk to the owner at the time of vacc., you may have a chance at learning more about this heifer. Good luck!

copperhead46 · #3 09/09/10, 08:44 PM

Thats pretty tall for , she months, she will still grow for another year or so. She might be crossed with something else. I wouldn't think you would have much chance of getting her registered, but if the price is right, she'll still make a good cow.

Carol K · #4 09/10/10, 06:38 AM

It would be hard to say if she will get bigger, some lines grow quick then not much after, some grow slow and shoot up later, but at 15 months I'm sure she will fill out a lot. As someone else pointed out Chondrodysplasia could play a part in the scenario. Is she registered? If she is you can at least look up her pedigree online, and someone may be able to put you in touch with her original owner.

Carol