Herd Development
FOR REGISTERED HIGHPARK CATTLETM
PC: Idaho Galloway Cattle
HighParkTM
Breeding basics
Ready to develop your HighPark™ herd? Here are a few breeding tips to help you get started!
Generally, animals with a higher percentage of Scottish Highland percentage will express shaggier characteristics. Since hair length is based on the genes inherited, some calves can be more or less shaggy than their parents depending on how the genes combine. Calves are often shaggier than their parents early in their lives and hair length can change up until full maturity.
The Park coloration gene is dominant to solid coloration. It is possible for two HighPark™ parents to produce calves that are solid colored. The calf can get one copy of the solid color gene from each parent resulting in a solid color calf. Consult a Punnett square if more detail on basic genetics. HighPark™ calves can be successfully tested to see if they carry one or two copies of the gene for White Park coloration. A cow with two sets of the Park coloration gene will only have calves with the Park coloration regardless of genes of the other parent. Testing for this can be completed through Texas A & M. This is not currently a requirement as foundation animals are being registered.
Smaller statured HighPark Cattle™ have been very popular with many breeders. Both Scottish Highlands and Park cattle are mid sized with wide variations in the population. The Chondrodysplasia gene was bred into some herds to quickly reduce the mature height of the animal. This gene minimized the development of long bones in the cow and primarily impacts the cannon bones in the legs. Calves that inherit only one copy of this gene will be “short legged” with expected adult height 4-5” shorter than those without. There are as many people who love the shorter cattle as those who feel that this should not be allowed. This registry will allow cattle with this gene. It is recognized that some of the highest prices paid will often come from cattle that test positive for this gene. Breeders should be aware that crossing two carriers of chondrodysplasia together may result in a calf that inherits this gene from both parents. In these cases, the long bones of the cow will not develop and the embryo will not go full term. See basic genetic information using Punnett square for more detail. This can easily be tested for with a hair sample at the laboratories below. Genetic Testing Laboratories: Texas A & M or University of CA-Davis. Of course, calves mature height can vary from their parents. If adult size is of interest, be sure to understand the heights of parents and grandparents.
Genetic Testing Laboratories: Texas A & M or University of CA-Davis
