Limousin ease of management key for Moore farm

Having tried other breeds, they have moved to pedigree Limousin stock for their commercial herd of 100 breeding cows, 20 heifer replacements and four pedigree Limousin stock bulls.

As the herd is now closed, pure bred pedigree Limousin stock bulls are chosen for their maternal and terminal traits and are either purchased privately from breeders known to the family or at the British Limousin Cattle Society sales held throughout the year.

The purchase of Kype Cassius, bred by Ron Cruickshank, Lanarkshire, Scotland several years ago, had a significant influence on the family’s decision to use only pedigree Limousin bulls. The performance of his male progeny both for ease of management, growth and muscle meant a greater return when being sold. Kype Cassius was also admired by judge Thomas Johnston, Toomebridge, during the Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club’s commercial herd competition in August last year and was placed first in the category, best stock bull of a large herd.

Their current team of stock bulls includes Culnagechan Invincible, a November 2013 Carmorn Co-pilot son, Ballyrobin Jamesons, a November 2014 Frewstown Breakdance son, Glencree Jack, a January 2014 (Wilodge Cerberus son) and Jalex JiggyJiggy, a June 2014 Ampertaine Foreman son.

Simon Moore commented: “The back breeding of Kype in one of these stock bulls was a big influence on our decision to purchase him.

“We also like the Limousin because it is easy calving and they are up on their feet and sucking their mothers quickly. The calves are also livelier and within a week of being born you will see a different calf. We find this works for us because we are not always here at calving time.”

Calving mainly takes place in March and April with bull calves being sold the following year as yearlings. Heifer calves are kept longer and let run until they are between 15-18 months. Some will then be sold and the best will be kept as replacements within the herd. These heifer replacements will be put to one of the stock bulls on the farm with ease of calving a priority and to calve down between 26-28 months. The Moores have found the growth rate to be much better with the Limousin than other breeds they had used previously. Stock are mainly sold through Ballymena Livestock Mart with top prices achieved and the family believe the Limousin plays a key role in achieving this result for them.

The accommodation for the cattle is all purpose built. The cows are housed on slats with new mothers and calves on straw. They find they have very few management problems with their Limousin cattle and all stock are routinely vaccinated for BVD and Lepto. Cows have little trouble with their feet, last longer and are good mothers with plenty of milk. This was important to the Moore family when they were increasing their herd and buying pedigree females through society sales. They wanted milky cows and now they try and keep the progeny, building on the success they have already had with the purchase of bulls at society sales.

The NI Limousin Cattle Club would like to thank the Moore family for taking the time to show them around their premises and wish them continued success with their Limousin stock.

Dates for your diary: BLCS spring show and sale of bulls and females on Monday 13 February at Dungannon Mart. Show at 10am and sale at 1pm.

Catalogues available to download at www.limousin.co.uk or by contacting the club secretary on 07881435042 or emailing [email protected].