ILC Feature
the ultimate way to achieve an
ideal product for the Canadian
or USA market. The Canadian
Limousin Association registers
a growing number of Lim-
Flex cattle (registered Angus
or Red Angus crossed with a
registered Limousin), as well
as percentage Limousin cattle.
However, the vast majority of
the herdbook is comprised
of purebred (90% or greater
Limousin blood) cattle. A smaller
number of breeders continue
to raise fullblood Limousin
animals, which make up 1% of
the herdbook. These breeders
remain very active in continuing
the gene pool of fullblood
Limousin genetics in Canada.
As a result of crossbreeding and
then numerous generations of
grading up, we now see that
30% of registered Limousin
animals are black hided. Black
coat color is favoured by feeders
in some parts of the country
and black hided cattle qualify
for specialty programs at
slaughter that pay premiums.
grading system grades carcasses
based largely on quality
(muscling, marbling, fat measure
and fat color and texture), as
well as yield. The carcass merits
of the Limousin breed in terms
of superior yield and ribeye
area are well documented,
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however, they typically do
not excel over British breeds
in terms of marbling and fat.
Therefore, in order to meet
the current demands of
the Canadian beef industry
producers find that crossing
Limousin with a British breed is
In Canada, most calving occurs
in January through May,
depending on the operation.
A lesser number of producers
choose to calve some of their
herd in the fall (August and
September). Calves born in the
spring months are typically
weaned in the fall and weaned
calves may be marketed at
auction or kept to be sold
as yearling animals. Most
producers breed their heifers at
one year of age and females are
expected to raise a calf every
year. Bulls are typically sold