Maternal Milk
Of course , healthy calves would not be possible without the exceptional maternal capabilities of Limousin and Lim-Flex cows . The improved milking ability of the Limousin breed has been well documented , in fact it is what attracts many producers to incorporating Limousin crosses into their herds . Active Limousin dams and sires currently average + 21 and + 22 for maternal milk EPD , respectively .
Research has shown that hybrid vigor , as in the case of Lim-Flex herds , rapidly increases lactation averages , making crossbreeding a way to quickly increase milk production . Besides boosting weaning weights and yearling weights , maternal milk has also been shown to have a notable impact on marbling later in life . These growth effects of milk output also help create heifer replacements that will grow and reach puberty quickly .
Docility
NALF is proudly the first breed association to create an EPD for docility . Giving this tool to breeders and producers allowed them to maximize their selection for more docile offspring , a trait that is just as beneficial for terminal purposes as well as replacement heifers .
According to a 2009 study conducted in Iowa , feedlot cattle with a high docility score had an average daily gain of 0.26 more than animals with a more aggressive score . Docile animals also significantly outperformed their aggressive peers in percentage grading Prime and Choice .
Research has also found that more docile heifers are more likely to have higher fertility rates when it comes to rebreeding . The Kansas State University ’ s Beef Cattle Institute noted that the anxiety of heifers brought into the chute for A . I . service was correlated to how quickly they would exit the chute and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol , making them much less likely to settle after the service .
The National Junior Limousin Show & Congress is a week-long event where the top Limousin breeders and showmen gather from across the nation each summer . The week focuses on juniors showcasing cattle , building leadership skills through contest and provides a time for families to reunite over their common love for the breed .
In 2021 , 467 entries and their families represented 26 states in Grand Island , Nebraska . In 2022 the NJLSC will be held in Amarillo , Texas and the event cannot be a success without the support of generous sponsors .
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