Question about holstein twins

[AnthonyF]

Hi all,
I have the opportunity to purchase two 7 month old holstein twins for a very decent price. One is a steer who I will butcher out before winter, and the other a heifer. I was told that because they were twins with a male and female, that she would not be able to be bred. Is this true? Doesnt make much sence to me, but I am fairly new to this. Any help would be greatly appriciated, and if she cant be bred I will probably butcher her as well. Thanks

[SuperDog]

yes its true. She would be a whats called a free martin. Google it, and you will find more info.

[CarolT]

Not absolute, but the chances are in the 90 percent range that she's sterile. You can draw blood and send off for testing that will say for sure. Google "Freemartin" that's what they're called

[AnthonyF]

okay great, thanks very much I will do that. Also wondering if you all thought 13-14months old is too young to butcher as I didnt really want to keep them through the winter but if needed I will.

[topside1]

Carol, is correct....This odditiy only affects cattle...No deer, goat, and so on. I've butchered holsteins @ 14 months old and regretted it, not enough flavor, low yield, marbleing % low, just a poor decision on my part. 18 Months would be ideal. The animal should register a live-weight of around 1400 pounds by then...Topside

[cassierousseau]

Holsteins are mostly bone the first year. It's best to wait 24-30 months. We had 3 we butchered at 18 months and wish we had waited.

[topside1]

Anthony, it really depends on you finishing process and overall care thoughout the lifetime of the animal. Expect a 47% yield from a 18 month old animal....How do I know?,,,,records....Topside

[AnthonyF]

Originally Posted by topside1

Anthony, it really depends on you finishing process and overall care thoughout the lifetime of the animal. Expect a 47% yield from a 18 month old animal....How do I know?,,,,records....Topside

So it would be possible to make it some what worth while butchering around 14 months if I finish them right? If thats the case what would you recommend? And if not what would the yeild be if i waited till they were around 24-26 months(butcher in fall 2012)

[AnthonyF]

Also these look fairly small compaired to a friends holstien steer of similar age. What should holstiens a 7 months weigh in at, considering they are twins? Also what would you say is fair price for them?

[topside1]

14 months would work but I don't recommend it see post #5. Lots of feed and little excersise. "Fat is the Flavor" It all really depends on how quickly you want your freezer filled. As far as yield on a two year old steer, well I wouldn't know I've never waited that long. For the past five years all I butcher are Jersey steers @ 18 months old....Prior to that all I butchered was holsteins. Good Luck...Topside

[oregon woodsmok]

If they haven't been well fed, they are going to be smaller. It really has nothing to do with being twins. Small calves catch up pretty quick if they are well fed and get enough protein.

[AnthonyF]

Other then all the grazing they can get, what would you recommend to beef them up at this point. I have some oats and barley that I will be giving them a small about of here and there but I am unshure if I should be giving them anything else.

[Jennifer L.]

Free Martins are The Best Ever meat. I'd sell the steer when he gets to size and put the heifer in the freezer, instead.

Jennifer