Take our quiz and find out! The Brown Swiss is a dairy breed, originally from the Swiss Alps. of 850 to 900kg and can exceed 1.40m. This research enabled the launch of the innovative Walloon genomic evaluation system for calving ease in crossbreeding. And this innovation is showing no signs of slowly down. If you are a genetic carrier for such a disease, then preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can allow you to select fertilized embryos without the disease. : , , , Their color can range from white, blue roan, black, or a combination of them, the color red is present in some genotypes. Gyrs (and all other breeds of Brahman/Zebu cattle) have a large hump on their back, which functions in a similar way to a camels hump, allowing them to store water to get them through long periods of water scarcity. In numerous countries, studies conducted on crossbreeding with Belgian Blue, Holstein dairy cows and local breeds generally show the superiority of the Belgian Blue crossed animals, Noppen says. Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is a manufactured or synthetic hormone that dairy farmers use to increase milk production in cows. The Belgian blue (BB) is a breed which is exported today in more than 50 countries. Thats true for all types of cattle and livestock, really. Belgian Blue | CattleToday.com - Cattle, Cow & Ranching Community Why Should I Raise Belgian Blue Cattle On My Farm? The cows weigh between 850 and 900 kg. Every year, the demand increases all over the world. Some sources also cite the introduction of Charolais breeding throughout the 19th century. Whereas BB is used in the pure breed in Northern Europe for meat production, it is also used in other regions of the world where meat production mainly relies on the crossing. Terms and Conditions muscling". As you chew, youll be surprised by the explosion of juices that are unleashed upon you. Belgian Blue beef has high amounts of marbling in the meat itself, offering delicious flavor. These cows look quite intimidating, as they are extremely muscular and sculpted. 61 % of the Belgian Blue livestock is in the Walloon region and 39% in the Flemish part of Belgium. The muscle is a natural development for the breed. Belgian Blue cattle, which are also known as Race de la Moyenne et Haute Belgique, Belgian Blue-White, Belgian White and Blue Pied, Belgian White Blue, Blue, Blue Belgian, originated in central and upper Belgium and they, at one time, accounted for nearly half of the cattle in the national herd. The Belgian Blue and the Piedmontese, another breed with myostatin problems, are viable farm strains of cattle. Whereas BB is used in pure breed in Northern Europe for meat production, it is also used in other regions of the world where meat production mainly relies on crossing. Problems with deformities of the jaw and over-enlarged tongues (which affect the calf's ability to suckle and hence its survival) as well as respiratory, heart and reproductive [] Belgian blue cow: photo, description, characteristics All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission. Once semen is collected from bulls (as the video so graciously shows useww) it can be tested and then used to impregnate cows through artificial insemination. Probably not! Weve already seenhuman children who were born with the equivalent of the myostatin defect seen in the monstrous cattle. Are you curious to find out? And despite the fact that Belgium is a small country with only 11 850 mi, more then 95% of the Belgian Blue cattle are located in Belgium. The weight of an adult bull the Belgian Blue is outstanding for its ease of calving, short gestation Only one other bovine breed has this trait Piedmontese cattle. They experience a wide range of health risks associated with their musclecalves can develop enlarged tongues and stiff legs which make it difficult, if not impossible, to feed, leading to early death. Two-year-old calving has also been successful. Maintenance Energy Requirements of Double-Muscled Belgian Blue Beef Cows A unique new cloud-based smartphone app that is designed to manage all the key information for your herd. The cows generally could create approximately 4,000 kg of milk per lactation. high food efficiency for fattening, facility for cross-breed calving. Article courtesy of comments from breeders. Belgian Blue. However, this couldnt be further from the truth when talking about Belgian Blue beef. Subscribe & win 1 kilo of beef each month! American Blue Cattle - American Blue Cattle, Belgian Blue Cattle The Belgian Blue: the crossbreeding specialist breed Beef Cuts On A Cow: A Guide For Home Butchering. The strain can be used for both beef and milk production. We may earn a commission after clicking links on the site before making a purchase. The Belgian Blue cattle are known for their lean meat, which is a result of its mutated myostatin gene. Its currently gaining popularity and could be found in Brazil, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States. Milk from Jersey cattle is usually used to make butter, yoghurt, cheese, and other dairy products because of the high buttermilk content in their milk compared to more common breeds. As the saying goes: Dont judge a book by its cover, a true beef lover should really try Belgian Blue beef, which is nothing short of amazing. Watch on In the clip above we hear about some of the amazing advantages associated with the Belgian Blue strain. In addition, other advantages of pure-bred Belgian Blue include: In order to ensure maximum fertility and therefore gestation on the farms, the AWE is very strict on the quality of the straws after thawing and produces high concentration straws, with an average of more than 20 million spermatozoa. We strive for natural calving with low birth weights and correct structure. After centuries of perfecting the bloodline and optimizing breeding conditions, Belgian Blue now finds itself at the pinnacle in terms of purity and quality. The Belgian Blue Breed of beef cattle is relatively new to the United States but is rapidly gaining acceptance with beef breeders and dairymen. Brown Swiss are (unsurprisingly) brown or light grey in color, and are known for their long lives and healthy bodies. Blue cows are capable of producing milk yield from 2.0 to 4.5 thousand liters annually, the fat content of which is 4.0%. Say No to Chemicals and plastics. Today, these muscled cattle are known for carcass quality and yields, ease of fattening and high birth weights. Thank you for joining us on our mission. Your email address will not be published. Last year we exported more than 4.3 million straws, so I guess size doesnt matter, Noppen says. 4. Most of these newer genetic testing companies are looking to repeat that success for more than a hundred other genetic conditions. Site Map, 10 Exotic Cattle Breeds And What Theyre Used For, Plant & Animal Classification Guide (Biological Taxonomy). The breed was only recently formally established with the founding of the Belgian Blue herd book in 1973. 3. Belgian Blue cattle Quick Information History and Development There are hundreds of breeds of cattle, and each have their unique quirks and features. shear value than the Hereford-Angus contemporary average, 12.8 versus 12.9, They gain weight well, and quickly, and produce high protein milk for their young. The back is straight, rump is sloping, tail set is prominent and skin is fine. Usually black to white, though upon close inspection it would appear that the darker portions are bluish grey. Disclaimer The British White is one of the few ancient native cows of Great Britain. It has been exporte, Brangus Cattle A fulltime farmer and blogger who love to share all his farming experiences. with comparable tenderness and flavor on the sensory panel. The truncated myostatin gene is unable to function in its normal capacity, resulting in accelerated lean muscle growth. There are now several companies that sell genetic tests in association with in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. They can have 40 percent or more additional edible muscle mass, most of which is lean meat! So we decided against the blue breed and put together a herd using commercial bulls. In numerous countries, studies conducted on crossbreeding with BWB, Holstein dairy cows and local breeds generally show the superiority of the BB crossed animals. Again yes, our calves were averaging 150 pounds heavier at weaning on the same cows that we had been using for four years.In the four years that we have used the American Blue bulls, we have found our half-blood calves gain on average 3+ pounds per day on good milking cows and this can increase with higher protein feed before and after weaning.There are several aspects to the blue cattle, however, the most important aspect is the myostatin gene. They can live, reproduce, give milk, and be consumed with no risk to humans. It is also possible that the Charolais cattle breed were cross bred as well. In 1973, the breed, hitherto called race de Moyenne et Haute Belgique was renamed Belgian Blue, divided into 2 distinct branches: the meaty BB and the dual purpose BB. Personally, I know a few IVF (possibly even PGD) kids and my world would be a lot poorer if they werent around. They are not born with that extreme muscle but start developing that muscle at 4 to 6 weeks old. This defining feature emerged following the fixation of a loss-of-function variant in the myostatin gene in the eighties. Since then, sustained selection has further increased muscle mass of Belgian Blue animals to a comparable extent. Copyright 1997-2016 All Rights Reserved. In an extensive 3 year test, As Noppen explains, the GGMN group specializes in methodological research, particularly in genomics, and has undertaken work on the optimization of the terminal crossbreeding between the Belgian Blue and dairy breeds. Specifically, the Belgian Blue. The coloration of these critters can vary from white, blue roan or even a mix of those colors. After the Second World War, signs of a new orientation for the breed appear, aiming at a strong development of the muscle structure. Originally, they were bred for their meat as well as milk. milk bottle calves for both males and females ages between 2 weeks to 15 months and more. That is why we see Belgian Blue animals in the Netherlands, France, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, Morocco, Ireland. Initially, the Belgian blue cattle were first used as a dual-purpose breed. The Belgian Blue cattle breed was first used as a dairy cattle breed, and then used for both meat and milk production purpose. What the breeder in the National Geographic video doesnt have time to outline are the physical problems associated with uninhibited muscle growth. Belgian Blue Beef outclasses all other beef breed in carcass yield (up to 80%). Advantages AplentyThe extraordinary abilities in crossbreeding programs and the exceptional quality of the Belgian Blue products are some key reasons why there is such a growing demand for BBG semen throughout the world. Belgian blue cattle. The modern beef breed was developed in the 1950s by Professor Hanset, working at an artificial insemination center in Lige province. We were excited and leery awaiting our first half blue calves. meat to bone ratio. What is the difference between an American Blue versus Belgian Blue? One would think that eating beef has little benefits for our body, but if youd have to pick one beef breed to boost health levels, it would have to be Belgian Blue beef! Also, a strong supporter of sustainable farming practices. Before we dive into modifying the human gene pool, we better learn the lessons that working with the Belgian Blue has taught us: even the most primitive genetic tools are immensely powerful, they raise serious ethical concerns, and their results are so impressive as to almost guarantee their use. Some cows may have difficulty calving and dystocia leading to a small number of calves born by caesarean because of their large size relative to a small birth canal. Belgian Blue cattle were first used as a dairy and beef breed. Originally from Italy, most Chiannas are still found in the Tuscany region even today. While double muscling is natural, the way the mutation has been perpetuated is not. European comparisons between While this is of little use to cows in the wild and would be considered a defect, double muscling gives the Belgian Blues 20% more muscle than most other breeds, meaning more beef produced per single animal. Dexter cows raised for dairy provide one to two gallons of milk per . These cows are unlike most other cattle. Our calves ranges from $360 to $2000 each depending on what you want. Copyright Singularity Group. We strive for natural calving with low birth weights and correct structure.Many would wonder why add American Blues to your program? The condition was first documented in 1808 by a livestock observationist named George Culley. 2. Sit At Cow Caretaker, we're dedicated to help you raise happy and healthy cows, to create the best quality dairy products & to create an enjoyable farming environment. All comments are moderated before being published. As the market leader in the sale of Belgian Blue semen, embryos and animals, Belgian Blue Group (BBG) has made a name for itself within the dairy industry in Europe and beyond. Myostatin is a protein that inhibits muscle development. The myostatin gene is what makes up the American Blue cattle. American Blue are bred to do the job as any other breed of cattle. Third, they are an early maturing breed with a shorter gestation period.Many people who have never been around the American Blue are very surprised on how docile they are. While that may be an exaggeration, the truth is certainly that in efforts to perfect the breed very few male genetic lines are allowed to continue. Belgian Blue Cattle: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics (With Commonly found in Switzerland and France, this breed is highly prized for its high-quality milk, which has the highest protein to fat ratio of any dairy breed. Belgium. This phenomenon is described as double-muscled, which is basically a genetic trait that causes muscles to be significantly increased in size. It is the region that Flanders Beef cattle call home, where they peacefully reside their entire life span. Our goal is to keep it simple and make life easier for you. Where did Dutch belted cows originate from? They are usually raised for beef and are sought after by ranchers for their gentle and cooperative temperaments. 2000 - 2023 - Global Ag Media. Belgian Blue cattle go by many names depending on the circle. Belgian Blue cattle are famous for their exceptional muscular development or "double-muscling". Though no one seems to want to phrase it in this way, humans are starting to adopt selective breeding habits and technologies. Charolais, Limousin ,Gelbvieh ,Simental and many other breed. Breeders informed with rudimentary genetic information, which is a step up from those Belgian farmers who first started propagating their mutant cows. They gain weight well and can have 40% or more additional edible muscle mass. This attribute is shared with the other cattle breed known as cattle. Calving interval and calf mortality were approximately Not long after, Shorthorn was slowly taken out of the breeding program, which benefitted significantly for the quality of Belgian Blue beef. What Is So Special About Belgian Blue Cattle? Belgian Blue Beef is famous for its impressive muscling which is commonly referred to as "double muscling". Its been more than a decade since humans have cracked their own genetic code, but weve yet to wake up to a world of engineered life forms on the Island of Dr. Moreau. Their beef is the exact taste quality level because of the Angus cows. The strain is great for beef production. Even though their color may differ from white to black, the strain is called largely for the general hair color. period, good mobility and structure, excellent temperament, hyper-developed In the clip above we hear about some of the amazing advantages associated with the Belgian Blue strain. It has one of the highest carcass yields of any bovine, with crossbred specimens providing 70 percent carcass yield, while purebred Belgian Blue offers up to a 77 percent yield. These animals are genetically identical to the ones from the meaty branch but they have been selected very differently, including on basis of their milk production and their calving ease, among other traits. When used in crossbreeding programs of other dairy or beef breeds, it increases carcass yield from 5 to 7 % compared to the maternal line. While cattle generally have two purposes, milk production and meat, the Belgian Blue Cattle is used almost exclusively as a meat production cattle. To themselves, however, these Conan-looking cows are less friendly. This somewhat "mutant" cattle breed is officially known as the Belgian Blue, and its origins date back to the early 1800s when Belgian scientists and farmers decided to breed native cattle with Shorthorn and possibly Charolais cattle varieties to create a stronger and more beefy crossbreed. And theyve succeeded. I hope you found this article interesting, and there was at least one breed you hadnt heard of before! Flanders Beef, everything you need to know, Wagyu at Home? Theres a big chance that beef lovers who love Japanese A5 Wagyu, Sashi Beef and other types of intensely marbled beef could be deceived when seeing this product in an online beef store. Belgian Blue Cow - All You Need To Know About This Breed As A Farmer It is reared for its beef and has spread to other, Highland Cattle Several cattle associations exist for Belgian Blues in different countries including: The Belgian Blue Herd Book was built from 16 international herd books from different associations around the world and exists as a testament to the popularity, profitability, and usefulness of this breed. I was finally able to talk to several breeders that gave me valuable information about how the breed has improved in calving ease and conformation. Its known by other titles like Race de la Moyenne et Haute Belgique, Blanc-Bleu Belge (French), Belgian White and Blue Pied, Belgian Blue-White, Belgian White Blue, Blue and Blue Belgian. The shoulder, back, loin, and rump are heavily muscled. The Belgian Blue is an interesting breed, which has been carefully selected over the years to exploit a genetic defect called double muscling. The color is within certain genotypes. Unlike many other breeds, the British White was not originally imported from continental Europe. Consequently, in crossbreeding, the progeny are necessarily heterozygous for the gene, which is then expressed and produces better crossbreeding results. Get the latest news from Singularity Hub! 10. This muscle bound meathead is a monument to the genetic power of selective breeding. The Belgian Blue bulls from BBG are a good solution for the beef on dairy part. RBGH: What Is It And Why Is It Given To Cows? Selection is now primarily for beef. Hello, I am Siddartha Reddy . It did not matter what we fed we could not seem to wean a calf heavier than 450 pounds at 6 months. The modern beef breed was developed in the 1950s by Professor Hanset, working at an artificial insemination center in Lige province. Their high fat content makes for high quality meat, although they are not as fast growing as more common beef breeds like Aberdeen Angus. You can find it everywhere in Europe, but also in Russia, in Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon or Mexico First, they are a very docile breed, very easy going. This particular type of growth is seen early in the fetus of a pregnant dam, which results in a calf that is born with two times the number of muscle fibers at birth than a calf with no myostatin gene mutation. Why is the dutch belted cow a rare breed - Rainbow Run Farm Their beef is not as in fat and fat reduction is just about half the amount measured in the counterparts of it. However, despite their massive build, they are small-boned and thin-skinned. The Belgian Blue cows can also be utilized as a milk breed too. Stuart is passionate about sustainable farming and animal welfare and has written extensively on cows and geese for the site. The breed was developed by cross-breeding local Belgian breeds with Shorthorn cattle and possibly Charolais cattle. Belgian Blue: The Monster Cow Kofantom Jun 21, 2022 7:01 PM EDT Belgian Blue The Super Cow Ever wondered what the bovine version of Arnold Schwarzenegger would look like? This mutation also interferes with fat deposition, resulting in very lean meat. The great carcass quality of the Belgian Blue crossed animals means a higher added value at the purchase of the calves. Hell, I wouldnt be surprised if armed conflict arose around this controversy as well. Meat Production Milk Production Naturally, pedigree Belgium Blue cattle come . for its impressive muscling which is commonly referred to as "double Both Belgian Blue and Piedmontese strain possess an elevated capacity to convert feed to lean muscle. May 3, 2023. sstterry. The average age at first calving is 32 months, 75% of cows calving for the first time between 28 and 35 months. The Belgian Blues mutant myostatin gene variation has even been spliced into rainbow trout to give them more bulk (and thus more worth as food). Brown Swiss. That is why we see Belgian Blue animals in the Netherlands, France, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, Morocco, Ireland. Website Accessibility Statement Uganda. Regular Beef - Which Is Better for Your Health. In the late fifties, a debate arose among the breeders, the question being whether to maintain the dual-purpose type as it was or to select for more muscling. The highland cow has become a national symbol in Scotland. Belgian Blue Cattle ~ Everything You Need to Know I was told that if I used an American Blue bull on my commercial cattle, I would not have any more calving problems than if I used any other breed of bull. Milk from the Brown Swiss is often used in cheese production for this reason. . American Cattlemen is a division of Twin Rivers Media. But there is, in fact, a cattle breed that looks like a bovine bodybuilder on steroids. Belgian Blue - Facts or Fiction. Productive indicators and features of breeding. Belgian Blue cattle are originally from upper Belgium, and it wasnt until the 19th century that Shorthorn cattle were imported from the United Kingdom alongside Charolais cattle from France to improve the native dairy type of cattle. Im glad its an option for parents. The Canadian Dexter Cattle Association says the breed is "known for its hardiness, docility, thriftiness and calving ease." 6. 50% BB's can calve successfully bred to a purebred BB. Join our subscribers' list to get the latest news, and updates delivered directly in your inbox. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Its unclear if that is going to get much worse or much better as modern genetic testing takes hold. Non-double muscled cows can calf successfully bred to a BB. Gyrs have long, drooping ears and large, curved horns which make them look more like goats rather than cows. Because of this breed's IVF and PGD are giving us the tools necessary to, at least in terms of our own gametes, become selective breeders. compensate for the altered mode of weight gain. All was good but would these calves grow like we were told they would? Its all about passion and having a motivated team, having the best product available and giving a proper service to our customers.. What are the common facilities found in a goat house. Belgian Blue Cattle Info, Size, Lifespan, Uses, and Pictures - Breeds List Why does everyone assume belgian blues are hard calvers,we have used them for years and the only time you get calving problems is the closer you get to prebred.crossbreds calve the same as any thing elsesometimes smaller.If you look up some bulls listed check out there birthweights alot are in the 80-89 pound range.I have a half BB 1/4 angus 1/4 fleck heifer raising an awesome Power Plus bull . Due to a small number of breeders, it took some work on my part to locate breeders. highland cows can live in harsh climates, even where other breeds would not survive, which functions in a similar way to a camels hump, double muscling gives the Belgian Blues 20% more muscle, Red Dragonfly Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (9 Omens), Dead Possum Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (9 Omens), Green Grasshopper Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (8 Omens). Calving ease, survival rate of the crossed calves, average daily gain and consumption index are also in favor of BB. Youre left with a delightful tasting experience that will surely leave a long-lasting impression.
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