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| Herefords
can be found enduring a wide variety of conditions,
from the Arctic areas of Northern Europe and
Canada, the vast ranching lands of the U.S.A.,
the Tropical and Sub Tropical areas of Mid
and South America to the arid climes of Australia
and the hot lands of Mid and South Africa
- their ability to thrive under such diverse
environmental conditions being second to none.
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| Greater
weight for age and rate of gain from grassland
- grass being still the cheapest feed available.
A medium sized cow able to put on extra condition
during summer grazing - providing the energy
to winter on a low cost silage/straw based
diet. |
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| A
breed with a wonderful temperament leading to easier management
thus reducing labour costs. Less stress during marketing
which helps produce better eating quality meat. The Hereford
is preferred by all those who regularly handle stock,
you only need ask your veterinary surgeon, livestock haulier,
abattoir worker or market operator. |
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| The
easy calving ability of the breed obviously contributes
to an increased calf crop and reduced costs, especially
veterinary call-outs, thus resulting in greater profit
and a more welfare friendly environment amongst the breeding
females. |
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Whilst
colour markings and other visual distinguishing
characteristics would in the opinion of many have
little or no relationship to the economics of beef
production, the Hereford Sire's ability to stamp
it's offspring with it's unique Hereford trademark
"The White Face" certainly helps establish the background
of it's offspring therefore providing easier traceablity
and future predictability. |
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| Fertility
is probably the most important characteristic of any breed,
affecting profitability more than any other. The Hereford
Female's ability to produce and wean a calf every year
under a variety of environmental and climatic conditions
makes her the most popular choice in any efficiently run
beef herd. |
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| With
greater emphasis being put upon the actual eating quality
of beef and the evidence that improved quality can only
be achieved through natural grassland production systems,
it is the Hereford's unique ability to thrive under such
conditions so producing quality beef, which makes it a
popular choice among purveyors of quality meat. This is
evident by the rapid increase in numbers being marketed
through the Branded Hereford Beef Scheme. |
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| The
longevity of the Hereford Sire could be considered
by the Pedigree Breeder to be a negative characteristic,
such sires often in regular use at 10 to 15 years
of age, which obviously reduces the need for replacement
sires being produced by the breeders. The similar
and often longer life span of the Hereford Female
is now however an increasingly important economic
factor with the value of over 30 month stock at
an all time low. |
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