Some of the desirable attributes of the Red Poll breed are:
Versatility in Crossbreeding Programmes Red Poll
bulls will produce a uniform herd of cattle from any mixed lot of
cows. The first cross females will produce more milk than
their mothers and the pigmentation virtually eliminates eye cancer
when crossed with the white-faced breeds.
Reproductive Performance
The breed is noted for its ability to produce a calf each
year. With a productive life of up to fifteen years, you can
be assured of a large number of calves from each Red Poll
female.
Calving Ease
Early maturity of the Red Poll allows heifers to be mated at an
early age and to drop a calf at two years of age. The females
are noticeably wide across the hips and pin bones and the bulls are
not big in the head or heavy in the shoulders. This results
in relatively small, quick growing calves.
Growth Rate
Red Poll females are noted for their high production of milk and
butterfat. Together with their excellent mothering ability,
good quality vealers can be produced each year.
Carcase Quality The end point of a beef breeding
enterprise is the production of carcases which are suitable for all
sections of the meat trade. Butchers recognise the merit of
the Red Poll. Success in inter-breed carcase competitions is
also proof of these qualities. Feedlot performance is often
superior to other breeds.
Docility
Red Poll cattle are inherently docile and easily managed in small
or large herds. Being polled is a tremendous advantage
because it reduces bruising of the meat and less injuries to the
handlers.
Adaptability The Red Poll is extremely
adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions. They are
efficient food converters and require minimum supplementary care
when run on good pastures.
Marbling Red Polls have the ability to produce
marbling in their carcases.
Red Poll cattle are equally suitable for hobby farmers or
serious cattle breeders, because they are a medium sized animal
with natural immunity to many of the usual cattle problems.
They have good temperaments, and are easy to handle.
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