BIG Bull Breeding a little Heifer!

[@wendymorrison5803]

Only breed a heifer to a bull proven to throw small calves. To lower calving problems and injuries. I learnt this as a kid working a breeding herd with my Dad.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

That’s good advice and one of the reasons we chose dexters to start with. Tiny little 25-30lb Dexter calves are thrifty little buggers!

[@merrelthorson2224]

Yep, looking at the huge bull and the tiny size of the heifer, l'm thinking it is a mis match, l'm hoping that the little girl wont have a problem birth.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

@@merrelthorson2224 it’s common practice the dwarf is the same size as a year and a half old long legged dexter

[@crystalshell3253]

Very informative video! Thanks for taking the time to explain about the Dexter's and the comparison of them versus larger livestock, for us non farmers unfortunately. Love watching yalls channel and learning something each time! Watching from Kentucky.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Thanks Crystal!

[@MyqOMatic]

I love all of the information you guys put out there. It educational and entertaining. You both do an awesome job. Sounds like Kelsey caught that cold that’s going around.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Yeah she was sick with a sinus infection for her week off. Thanks Mike

[@MyqOMatic]

@@SweetBriarFarmMichigan I hope she feels better soon.

[@johnford5568]

They can handle the cold but need a break from the wind. Nice rampart to suppliment the shed. I saw a dakota ranch with large herd, no sheds, move the herd to a pasture that had a strategically placed row of trees, and that's all they needed to get through the bad weather.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Exactly. Once in a while they use the shed but most of the time they are just laying out in the elements.

[@shawnwhalen5246]

Really appreciate all the thought and effort that you two put into genetics and breeding

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Thanks Shawn

[@ExploreAmerica]

I always play a little Dean Martin or Tony Bennett in the background in my breeding pen. Not sure it helps the cows but it puts me in the mood.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

😂

[@K2shadowfax]

Very interesting and informative re the science behind your thinking, and the many little nuggets of farming wisdom included. She seems a feisty little creature...good luck with the breeding program. Enjoy a sub!

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Thank you!

[@morningglory3365]

Great video guys. Dexter cattle have been on my bucket list for the past couple years. Praying this is the year. Many Blesssings to you and your family. Found you guys when Todd & Rachel came for Tamworth piglets.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Awesome, the bad thing about Dexters is they are addictive lol. Best of luck!

[@bigronnie1419]

Using a large bull with such a small heifer will usually cause birthing delivery problems some times the heifer can even die because the calfs head is to large,I would like to know how this turns out,best of luck.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Very true. The heifer in this video is a dwarf dexter she has short legs that is the only difference between her and the rest of our herd. Not sure when she settled we used a urine pregnancy test on her in a video not long ago.

[@LyndaDrummond]

Why would anyone risk the life of heifer and calf by breeding to larger bull. It is known that you breed a cow or heifer to a proven small birth weight bull

[@TreasureFiend]

WOW Another great video with lots of valuable information, thanks for sharing. And... I can't wait to see what the calf will be. I stumbled over here after clicking on a random video suggestion a few weeks ago, now im hooked for at least 9 months. lol

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Lol it’s funny how that happens

[@bg588]

It’s very important to use a bull with a narrow head. Doesn’t look as good but avoids a lot of calving problems.

[@capramanegames2778]

Chrondo positive is the main cause of calving problems

[@simeon2851]

Today i learnt something new: that achondroplasia occurs in cattle too. 😊

[@ruthanderson1758]

Personally I don't think it's right to breed a large bull with a small female as the resulting calf could be too large for the momma to give birth to.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you watch the video or just read the title?

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Ruth, if you watch the video you’ll learn that is NOT what we are doing.

[@chaparra71]

The size of the bull has nothing to do with the resulting size of the calf. That’s genetics.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

@@chaparra71wrong

[@sallyburkett-caskinette8723]

@@chaparra71you be funny, what is genetics? It includes size shape color!

[@nolliesteers3083]

Good morning. Thanks for the info. Can't wait for her to get pregnant.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

The best part about breeding the animals especially the goats, you never know what you are going to get and how many. It’s like Christmas morning for adults lol.

[@Louvenoire05]

This may be an unpopular comment, but I’ve seen wild elephants, bulls, etc who are MASSIVE way more bigger than this Bull, mating with more than half their size females. They look micro. They look even so small you’d think: “ is she even old enough to do this?” And that’s in nature. I’m sure she will be fine.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Yes! It’s called sexual dimorphism and it’s common across the animal kingdom. Even the average human male is substantially larger than the females. As long as you’re breeding livestock to the mid-size of their breed it’s reasonable and safe practice for a 14 month plus Dexter heifers . Bulls are just bigger than heifers.

[@Louvenoire05]

@@SweetBriarFarmMichigan thank you for response message 🙏. I did have a question if this type of bulls don’t have horns? Beautiful animals 💜.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

@@Louvenoire05 dexters were a horned breed and many people still prefer horned dexters. There are 2 conflicting arguments on the polled origination in dexters. One is it was introduced from outcrossing and another is a mutation. We prefer polled strictly for safety reasons.

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing.🐂

[@m.macf.8391]

Cow zoomies! 😍🐂

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

I am pretty sure every car in our town drove by that day.

[@MyqOMatic]

Yep. That’s some major traffic, for up north. Anything more than 2 cars is like a traffic jam.😂 I miss living up north.

[@ruth9396]

When we showed, we had the largest crowd around Maverick all the time. Everybody wanted to see the "little" bull. ;)

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

@@ruth9396 I believe it they are so cool

[@GHuh10]

There so cute

[@ruth9396]

With moving and changing homes, it's possible for her to skip a heat cycle. We have found the "witchier" or sassier the heifers are, they are coming into heat.. and watching them, she should be coming into heat soon. If my memory serves me, she actually should be coming into heat within the next few days. I believe she was about the 10th of the month. You may not see him breed her. Bulls are amazingly fast and efficient with breeding. Maverick usually bred them during the night. In all the years of breeding, I have only witnessed 1 breeding. We hear him "singing" and putting his head on their backs to test for "standing" one day and then the next day he isn't interested in them anymore.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

We haven’t even seen them out our kitchen window. They just hang around the hay bale all day.😄 She has quite the personality.

[@diedrichvonminden1639]

😅😅

[@francisfernandes3736]

Very knowledgeable lady!😂

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Haha thank you!

[@francisfernandes3736]

@@SweetBriarFarmMichigan most welcome!

[@leelaural]

such a size difference.....is this painful for the little Ladybug, or don't you care about that....

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Short cow or tall cow it’s not painful for them. They are super strong animals if you have ever been around them. The only difference between ladybug and our other dexters is the short legs.

[@TimBinns68]

I'm curious how the opposite would work. Could a mini bull reach a normal size heifer? hmmmm.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Yes they can. One of the breeders we know says their bull has a good “jump shot”. Ladybugs dam is a long legged and the sire is a shortie. The bulls are usually taller I believe the sire is around 40 inches if I remember correctly.

[@merrelthorson2224]

I'm wondering about that with my brother's little bull, n with heifers now, the youngest heifer is bigger than the others, even the little bull, who seems to be about half her size, l'll keep an eye put to see when she comes in season and wait and see if he can.

[@ijaznadeem7269]

Beautiful.

[@tammytsuchiyama8858]

Oh noooo poor Lady Bug. I pray she don’t rip/split giving birth to such a large bull. ❤

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Same breed

[@userlokiloki]

Isn't there a risk for her carrying such a big calf? And isn't she a little young to be bred?

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Dexter calves are 25-35lbs. She was 19 months old at the time. We usually breed Dexter heifers at 14-15 months so they calve around their 2nd birthday.

[@donaldpaddock3865]

Why did you go with the dexter and not the aberdeen angus

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

We wanted smaller cows due to our small acreage. Dexters are cheep to feed considering any other cattle.

[@ronnieg6358]

I guess the bull and the heifer are both dexters. Would there be serious problems calving with a limousin or simmental bull?

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Yes. You wouldn’t want to breed a large bred bull to any dexter.

[@joygibson806]

I can’t believe the number of opinionated know-it-alls! You all need to watch the video before running your brains. These two very obviously know what they are doing. I’ll look forward to seeing the calf!

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Early November she should calve.

[@jimcox6687]

You have a nice channel.. Lots of good information . What is your goal to finish the calves out for butcher? I had a calf to finish beef herd for 25 years but I don't see how you can make any money with Dexter cattle.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

We plan on selling registered heifers and grow out steers for butcher. We sell grass fed half and whole steers for $5lb Hanging weight plus processing. We are small fries but the dexter beef is a niche product. In a few years when we don’t have to buy steers we will net $1000 per steer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnWmn6VoeNhnkJY

[@jimcox6687]

Well good luck with your herd. I remember being young and building up a herd and thinking I was gonna be a millionaire. Lol

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

@@jimcox6687 not going to be a millionaire but hopefully will pay for itself. We have full time jobs lol

[@kathlynterry8196]

When I first saw this video, I was horrified at the size difference and wondered if the calf would be to big for Ladybug to birth. I know nothing about cattle but now assume that’s not a problem or you wouldn’t be doing it.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Yes it is completely fine to do. Her body size is the same size as a long legged heifer at her age. She just has short legs.

[@jeffsanderson2737]

Cool

[@jeffsanderson2737]

If you haven’t noticed, this is my favorite word

[@borhan-0725]

Nice farm

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Thanks 👍

[@Agrajan-ph1it]

Hi Nice 2 see you

[@vickieelisa2248]

Can't the larger bull physically hurt the smaller calf?

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Technically yes. That would be true of any bull on a heifer. Ladybug was at the time the same body size as a long legged dexter heifer she just has short legs. Mr. President bred all of our heifers this summer everyone was fine. Ladybug should be due this month or early November.

[@ligayabassham1692]

Scared for Ladybug. Could be the calf would be too big for her to birth.😢

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

No her body size is the same as a long legged dexter. She is just short

[@sandrakelso7136]

Where are you located?

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Northern Michigan

[@sandrakelso7136]

Thanks

[@louievdo7631]

Is it not a bad idea to breed a large bowl with a small cow I understand this is not good

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you watch and listen to the video? They are both dexters. The heifer is short a Dwarf and the other is long legged. The body size of the heifer is the same size as a long legged.

[@MistressOP]

Hmm hopefully the calf will come out without killing the cow. Normally you want to breed a big cow to a small bull

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you listen to the video?

[@jerritrahan9149]

Really!? A bull 4 times bigger than her plus his weight on top of her

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

You must not have listened to the video.

[@MrEst1953]

Lady you talk a lot of sense and you present very well ever considered being on TV ?

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

She is waiting for her big break

[@janw491]

A too big bull could seriously injure the cow let alone producing a too large calf. Seems a bit irresponsible

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Watch and listen to the video

[@joeyhunter842]

She is a little tease

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

When he did breed her she went and laid down in a corner to keep him off her.😂

[@rayjohnson7886]

A big chance

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Big Bull Breeds Little Heifer has Mini Cow! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXLCi4anZctli9k

[@denisepalmer7624]

I do not think you should be breeding that large boy to such a small cow...I think you are asking for trouble

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you watch the video?

[@barbarastrahan9911]

I would say bull is small but still to large for this young first time heifer. If feel pity for this heifer giving birth.😊

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

She will be fine

[@Agrajan-ph1it]

Hi 🐂🐂🐂🐂🦬🦬🦬🐮🐮🐂🐃

[@TheSkyhightribe]

Delivering that humongous calf won't be easy for such a little heifer.😢

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Have you ever seen a Dexter calf? Watch one of our recent videos. They are about 25-30 lbs…

[@marcopolo5365]

What??? Trying to kill the mother ??or calf?? Or BOTH????

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you watch the video? Or just read the title??

[@monaclark942]

Not safe for a small heifer bred to large bull

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you watch the video??

[@lyndawatson5211]

The cow doesn't look very much like it today.... don't really blame her. Look at the size of him on your back...z

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Not sure what you mean here?

[@zinniabees6191]

wow you guys talk A LOT AND SHOW NOTHING

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Well you’d have to buy us dinner first….

[@JamesWilliams-vl2fm]

You lost me on that one

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Big Bull Breeds Little Heifer has Mini Cow! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXLCi4anZctli9k

[@randy6650]

🙂🖐🏻❤️👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@mommacarron9341]

That bull is way to big to breed her

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Nope Wrong. We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t know what we were talking about. Big Bull Breeds Little Heifer has Mini Cow! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXLCi4anZctli9k

[@darleneschmidt6524]

I think that is animal abuse

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Did you watch the video? If you did you would understand

[@soniaaviles1989]

That's bull abuse his is to big for her.

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Big Bull Breeds Little Heifer has Mini Cow! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXLCi4anZctli9k Apparently you didn’t pay attention to anything.

[@bonnielashley2250]

That bullet is too big

[@SweetBriarFarmMichigan]

Nope