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Limousin Breed
Limousin cattle are well known for their calving ease, moderate
frame, and heaviness of muscling and early maturity. The ribeye
tends to be larger and the muscle fiber is finer. The carcass traits
of Limousin cattle are superior, winning most every carcass competition
in Canada and the United States since their introduction of Limousin
cattle to North America in 1969.
The Limousin Terminal Sire
Although much has been made in recent years about attributes of
Limousin females, it is as a terminal sire that the Limousin breed
absolutely shines. Studies from Oklahoma State University, Colorado
State University and Perdue University all confirm that the Limousin
sire is the best choice against most British and continental breeds.
This is especially true of F1 and F2 Angus based commercial cowherds.
The heavy muscling, large ribeye, superior carcass traits and cutability of the
Limousin breed are the perfect complements to the marbling, volume and maternal
characteristics and market appeal of Angus females. In fact, many of the premium
meat programs in the U.S. feature the Limousin Angus cross as their foundation herd
inputs. The characteristics of the Limousin are also a great complement to most other breeds.
What About Docility?
The docility of any group of cattle is part of environment, part
genetic. Some of the earliest Limousin imports gained a reputation
for being somewhat difficult to handle. Over the past decade, it
has been a top priority of the Limousin breed to measure and track
the docility of its animals. The result has been a marked change
to the point that it is no longer an issue. At Top Meadow Farms,
we take particular care with our herd management, handling the cattle
frequently and in a stress-free environment. We have been extremely
strict in culling difficult cattle, no matter what their other physical
attributes. We will never knowingly sell a difficult animal from
our farm to our commercial customer or bull buyers.
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