A Charolais breeder is someone who owns or manages a Charolais heifer or cow at the time she is mated to produce a calf. Breeders focusing on genetic improvement take great care in studying pedigrees, genetic prediction tools, and the cattle themselves to make informed breeding decisions. They focus on a variety of production, maternal, carcass, and convenience traits, and make breeding decisions that consider many factors.
Charolais breeders have been diligent about selecting for improved calving ease for several decades. Their efforts have paid off in producing Charolais and Charolais-influence calves that arrive in the world unassisted at birth and yet have tremendous growth potential thereafter. Bulls that are noted for their ability to transmit calving ease genetics abound in the Charolais breed now.
Docility is an example of another trait that many breeders emphasize in their cattle selection programs. Docile cattle are typically calm and not aggressive towards people. However, even with docile cattle, human handlers should use good animal handling practices to protect people and other animals from injury. The image below shows a very docile Charolais bull being petted. |
