Profile > Pedigree Breeds > Cattle
The Irish Salers Cattle Breed Society
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Breed Profile
1. Docile and easy to manage with minimal labour requirements
2. Lower capital investment than other breeds.
3. Early maturing while enjoying longevity
4. Quality carcass & meat producers
5. Very hardy, even off poor grazing & difficult climates
6. Fertile and prolific, one calf per annum
7. Exceptional maternal qualities ensuring heavy vigorous calves at weaning
8. No calving difficulties even when crossed with heavy muscled bulls
The breed pronounced 'Sall-air', originates in the mountains of the
Massif Central in Auvergne region of France. Although higher ( 2,000
- 6,000 ) and more extreme, the region would have a climate similar
to the West. The Breed, deep mahogany red or yellowish russet in
colour, is one of the oldest distinct breeds in Europe, unrelated
to other French breeds such as the Charolais, with consequent strong
gain in hybrid vigour when crossed.
What makes the breed unique is the size of the pelvic aperture and
the milking ability. The pelvic opening is 10 - 40 square cms bigger
than other French breeds, hence calving problems are supposed to be
rare, particularly since Salers calves are light (average 37 kgs heifers
and 39 kgs in pure bull calves). Salers bulls are ideal for heifers.
High muscularity Charolais bulls which would have been undesirable
in other breeds, are being used without problems commercially on Saler
cows. Median Percentage of unassisted calvings from 2 year old Salers
heifers = 97% (Angus = 91% Hereford = 85% Limousin = 89%).
Although not achieving the results of the pure suckler system the
bull calves are sold at 9 - 10 months at about 300 kgs and surplus
heifers at 18 or 30 months ( in-calf ). These are currently in great
demand. Average yields in the milk recorded cows in these extensive
systems are about 3,300 kg, but top animals yield 5,000 - 5,500 kgs.
For a hardy breed of cattle with big bulls weighing 1,100 - 1,300
with some show animals topping 1,400 kg. The longevity of the cows
is also very impressive with cows 14, 15, 16+ year old cows in herds.
With virtually stress free calving, fertility is very high and re-breeding
after calving rapid. Average calving interval is 374 days. Their
feet ( hard black hooves ) and leg quality are equally impressive.
Contact Details
Website:
www.IrishSalers.com
Post:
Mrs. Meryl Gillespie
Glenard House,
Cloughjordan,
Co. Tipperary,
Ireland.
Email:
irishsalers@eircom.net
Tel:
0505 42245
Web:
http://www.irishsalers.com/