The Polled Cattle Conundrum!

Common Things We Hear

1. There are more important things to breed for.
2. No Polled bull has made the top proven ranks.
3. I can`t afford to use Polled Genetics.
4. Polled Genetics are not good enough yet.
5. Dehorning is not a big deal.
6. Polled is a fad.

Answers to What We Hear

1. Polled trait is controlled by a dominant gene so it is easy to introduce, other traits are controlled by multiple genes
2. For years Red and White Breeders have used young bulls to expand the red gene. Without many proven bulls.
3. No one is saying go all out, but trying polled once or twice on your top end will cost you nothing, and the upside is huge. Scientific Beauty Rae a 7th Gen E.X Roxy was once bred to and unknown Red Polled bull, and in terms of marketing and international appeal it brought the house down. Her name? Golden-Oaks Perk Rae Red. Ever hear of her? Ever hear of her sisters? **If you only try Polled on the bottom end of your herd the result can already be predicted and you missed the whole point about adding value
4. Genomics has allowed Polled to be compared to horned bulls. You decide if this list of bulls are good enough https://www.dairybullsonline.com/marketing/Dec11PolledBullList.pdf 
5. Government regulations and pressures from outside are gaining influence every day. Customers are demanding humane treatment of animals and this is not a fight we can win. What is the one job you would not do on your farm in front of school children? If you really believe its not a big deal odds are you’re not the one doing that job. (Re ask questions a#1 & #5 here)
6. The prices top Polled females are bringing lately is proof enough that the interest in Polled is gaining momentum, all signs are all pointing in the same direction, and the long term prognosis is fairly obvious. The future is Polled.