Post by nina on Feb 10, 2014 15:57:31 GMT -5
I have a calf that is doing ok, but is always a little behind in growth and condition. He is smoky colored with a curly coat. I would say he is an angus
charolais cross but really have no history on him other than he went through a sale barn to dealer then me. That said, there are a few scanty articles about a genetic condition usually associated with black cows like holsteins, angus etc. crossed with Charolais, or perhaps any cow with a cream gene commonly called "rattail" and I would like more definitive information. Some claim the thin coat "rattails" have cause them to gain less during the winter months and others claim their rattails are the best in the herd and the reputation for unthriftyness has to do with buyers
looking for excuses to discount the per lb price. Has anyone ever seen a rattail or know anything about them?
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On another note, I have a friend that thought my calf might of been oxygen deprived at birth and is mentally slow. He is very tame and easy to handle, never revs up past an amble,
but I know he is intelligent and responsive just takes his time with everything. He could be a slow start for any number of reasons, but I did buy another calf at the same time and she
has been the exact opposite growing at a phenomenal rate. She is also sweet and easy to handle, but is noticeably bigger and solid built. I almost didn't buy her because she had a cough, rough
coat and was bony. Neither has been sick after the initial illness at purchase and the heifer responded quickly to good medical care and feeding and the (rattail?) never was sick. The heifer is most likely a dairy angus cross.