Why should you consider American Aberdeens?
Directly from the American Aberdeen Site
American Aberdeen cattle are moving the cattle industry forward by focusing on the foundational traits that brought the early Angus cattle to the forefront. Ideal as an outcross to most programs, Aberdeens are noted for fertility, easy-calving, efficiency on grass and disciplined frame scores, while providing structural correctness and docility.
While all fullblood American Aberdeen cattle trace their entire pedigree to the foundation Trangie Research Centre in New South Wales, Australia, the Association also offers the Aberdeen Plus®, Moderator®, and Moderator Plus® percentage breeding programs to help you reach your goals.
Related Articles
Although I’m unsure of which papers they’re specifically referencing on the site/brochure, these related studies were found as to why the American Aberdeens work for most farmers.
Implications of Cow Size Change
Moderate Versus Big Cows: Do Big Cows Carry Their Weight on the Ranch?
These are interesting articles/studies that were found in search of the ones above:
Understanding Cow Size and Efficiency
Drought Effect on Weaning Weight and Efficiency Relative to Cow Size in Semiarid Rangeland
This one is very science-lingo heavy. Our takeaway is that American Aberdeens are genetically unique from common USA beef breeds, however we must be cognizant that they are the least diverse in their genetic makeup and problems could arise if the gene pool is not diversified.
Genetic Distinctness and Diversity of American Aberdeen Cattle Compared to Common Beef Breeds in the United States.
From Our Experience
Why do we think you should give American Aberdeens a try? We like to call them “the Throwback Angus,” referencing back to when you didn’t grow extra air underneath them for looks. The breed itself is easy to handle with one person for vaccines, A.I., pregnancy checks, and halter breaking. Most cows have great mothering ability, and a lot of people call this breed a “sleep through the night breed.” We do not agree with that phrase! Malposition can happen no matter the breed, and we all know Mother Nature can be flat out cruel. Even though this breed is known for being genetic defect free; mineral deficiency’s, toxic weeds, and rough housing late in gestation, can also cause problems in calves.
We also do not want to mislead you with what you’re getting into with this breed. This is a niche beef breed. Fullbloods DO NOT sell well at regular auction barns. You will be docked on your sale price. However, you can easily utilize moderators if this is your preferred sale method. This breed is best sold through direct marketing. Many of the breeders have a successful meat market direct to consumer or through farmer’s markets. If you do not like taking your own animals to the meat locker, there is always posts looking for steers. If you’re near us, we’ll be looking for some in the near future! Seedstock sales can be tough with the up and down of the market throughout the year. Good pictures, details posted, and registered animals will help you in those tough cycles.
Do we find this breed worth it? Absolutely! There will be heartache, trial and error, and choice words just getting into cattle in general. This breed is forgiving, adorable, and delicious. The stigma of being a “pet only” breed is finally dissipating, and beef producers are taking a look at them more seriously. They eat less than their larger counterparts, proven in our own pasture, and all of ours have matured in their expected timeframes, calving around their second birthday.
Does this breed and association have things to improve on? Sure. But, how many breeds do you know that can cater to the pet, the beef, and the seedstock market?
We’re here for the change in the beef industry.
Are you?
Modest Cattle. Extravagant Goals. 