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metabolites and hormones. Blood samples for cortisol, glucose and
saliva samples were tested and body temperatures recorded in a
search for a biomarker that could improve objective temperament
classifications. They concluded that, “In combination with exit
velocity, simple objective chute side measures of body temperature
and plasma lactate using a simple digital thermometer and a hand-
held meter (Lactate Pro ® meter) respectively, can potentially
increase accuracy of temperament identification. Plasma lactate
and rectal temperature have the potential to become strong
objective measures to augment exit velocity in predicting an
animal’s temperament.”
Limousin Breeders To Remain Vigilant
Research results that dangle increased profitability and efficiency
in front of producers eventually spawn literal action. This action will
likely take the form of even further commercial cattle demands of
documented behavior and temperament markers, even in potential
crossbred replacement females.
Limousin breeders have efficiently used the highly heritable trait
of docility, genetically improving their cattle through the years. No
other breed has made greater strides improving disposition.
Trials have proven that average daily gain, animal health,
reproductive efficiency and carcass quality are negatively affected by
poor animal temperament. Limousin breeders need to be vigilant
and continue to demand top quality disposition from their sires
and dams. Beyond the mainstream Limousin qualities of calf vigor,
feed efficiency and weight gain, strong maternal traits, carcass
yield and quality and calving-ease, docility must remain front and
center. Conscientious commercial cattlemen will begin to make
temperament and disposition a larger part of their equation by using
these scoring systems as a guide when re-stocking their female herds.
Limousin breeders need to stay ready.
Trials have proven that average daily gain, animal health,
reproductive efficiency and carcass quality are negatively affected by
poor animal temperament.
An Oregon trial on reproduction tested more than 400 range cows
using both a chute and exit speed scoring system. Twenty five percent
of the cows were scored as aggressive and finished with a pregnancy
rate of 89% while the adequate temperament cows delivered a 95%
pregnancy rate.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bruce Derksen has worked in Western
Canada’s ranching and feedlot industry for more than 30 years. In
his spare time, he writes about present day agriculture related topics,
hoping to give today’s producers as much up to date information
about the future of the industry as possible.
SOUTH DAKOTA LIMOUSIN ASSN.
BANQUET & BENEFIT AUCTION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
6 PM Social, 7 PM Banquet/Benefit Auction
Ramkota Hotel, 2111 N Lacrosse St.,
Rapid City, SD 57701
[phone] (Ask for SD Limousin room block)
LIMOUSIN SHOW & SALE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020
SHOW: 9 AM MST • SALE: 1 PM MST
2019 GRAND CHAMPION LIMOUSIN BULL
Bred by: Ludens Family Limousin, SD
Purchased by: ROM’N Limousin, SD
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Rapid City, South Dakota
OFFERING 37 BULLS
14 Yearlings • 13 18-mo.-old
10 Coming 2-year-olds
AUCTIONEER:
C.K. “Sonny” Booth 918-533-5587
LIMOUSIN BREED REP:
Chisum Peterson [phone]
SALE-DAY PHONES:
Kiley McKinna [phone]
Dean Summerbell [phone]
38
2019 GRAND CHAMPION LIMOUSIN FEMALE
Bred by: Torgerson Farms, SD
Purchased by: Wulf Cattle, MN
• JANUARY 2020
CONSIGNORS:
Boyer Family Farm, IA • [phone]
Duff Limousin, MN • [phone]
Leonard Limousin, IA • [phone]
Ludens Family Limousin, SD • [phone]
Lura Limousin, MN • [phone]
Mill Road Cattle, WI • [phone]
Nolz Limousin, SD • [phone]
Peterson’s L7 Bar Limousin, SD • [phone]
ROM’N Limousin, SD • [phone]
Spring Creeks Cattle Co., WI • [phone]
Symens Bros., SD • [phone]
Venner Family Limousin, IA • [phone]
Wulf Cattle, MN • [phone]