The Limousin Advantage

While some cattlemen may try to argue, there is simply no breed that is capable of being all things to all people. We are not here to try and tell you that the Limousin breed is an exception. What we will tell you , is that adding Limousin to your herd is going to go a long way to boost your bottom line and generate profit for your operation! Here’s how:

Calving Ease

Relevant to growth, the Limousin breed stays true to the calving ease numbers it was founded on in this country! Even through successful efforts to raise weaning weight numbers, the calving ease advantage has remained. This becomes highly significant, as many will agree that weaning weight numbers mean very little to a calf born dead!

Uniformity:

It may seem trivial to some, but if you have ever watched a sale at a sale barn you’ll know it isn’t. Be it red or black, solid color sells and the Limousin breed hosts genetics that are both non-spotter and non-diluter—aka SOLID! Seems to be a fairly simple way to bring in more cash in our opinion!

Feed Efficiency

Here at Kautsch Limousin we can personally attest to the Limousin advantage in the feedlot. We retain most of our steers and cull heifers until they are sold as fat cattle and we have noted that their great feed conversion rate results in lower level consumption but yet higher levels of lean, dressed carcass weight, and retail yield. Save money on the feed bill; yield salable product. It’s a win-win!

Red-Meat Yield

The Limousin breed is recognized as an industry leader for highest red meat yield. So, not only will Limousin genetics add muscle growth efficiency to any herd, but when used in higher percentages will suit the growing niche market in this country for lean beef!

Maternal Efficiency

Recent Studies have shown that the Limousin momma cow has been long underrated! It’s been shown that the Limousin-percentage females fluctuated the least in terms of efficiency despite varying available feed! Put this with calving ease, optimum milk, and longevity and it’s clear that a Limousin influenced female has earned a place in your commercial herd!

Longevity 

Currently the Limousin bred is one if only 3 breed utilizing an EPD for stayability. To us, this is huge! You feel a lot better about the amount of money you spent on a new herd sire or group of females if you know they’ll be out in the field making you money for a longer period of time!

Size

Despite a rather tall history as a breed, Limousin cattle breeders have made huge strides towards moderation, and their efforts have been rewarding! Studies show that, on average, Limousin females were smaller in structure than other continental females. Likewise, relative to their continental breed counterparts, Limousin steers have consistently measured larger rib-eyes with smaller carcasses.

Milking Ability

We’ll be the first to admit that Limousin cattle don’t exactly top the charts in this area. However, in recent years, huge strides have been made to reach what NALF (North American Limousin Foundation) calls “optimum” milking ability. The basic concept here is that calories are essentially used in three ways: Growth, Maintenance, and Lactation. So, while that beef cow that milks like a Holstein seems like a winner, she’s likely going to be much harder to maintain, breed back, and will likely have more udder issues.  Therefore, we believe, that the moderate milk numbers that the breed has reached are, in fact, better for your bottom line!

Source:

http://www.nalf.org “Generating Profit with Limousin: Let’s Count the Ways” . Kyle Haley. June 2009

View Official NALF Website on The Limousin Advantage.