Why try to re-create Erica?
We believe that Erica's Angus genetics, which have survived in a relatively pure form, have
a lot to offer present-day agriculture. Our objective is to develop the world's most efficient
cow, a cow like Erica 843. Read more about the benefits here.
We believe that Erica's Angus genetics, which have survived in a relatively pure form, have
a lot to offer present-day agriculture. Our objective is to develop the world's most efficient
cow, a cow like Erica 843. Read more about the benefits here.
Re-creating Erica
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Why refer to Aberdeen & Angus as separate breeds?
What is known today as Aberdeen-Angus, or just Angus, is an historical compilation of a
number of naturally polled black Scottish cattle in the early 1800's. These various strains
of cattle are identifiable by certain 'trait-types'. All Angus in the world today share common
ancestry but the traits vary widely, often dependent upon fashion.
Through the Linebred Erica™ Project, we are separating the Aberdeen-type traits from
the Angus (Erica) type traits. It is our conviction, having observed the Erica-type genetics
over a 14 year period, that these cows have a strong claim as the "cow of the future".
Read more about the various Äberdeen and Angus trait-types here.
What is known today as Aberdeen-Angus, or just Angus, is an historical compilation of a
number of naturally polled black Scottish cattle in the early 1800's. These various strains
of cattle are identifiable by certain 'trait-types'. All Angus in the world today share common
ancestry but the traits vary widely, often dependent upon fashion.
Through the Linebred Erica™ Project, we are separating the Aberdeen-type traits from
the Angus (Erica) type traits. It is our conviction, having observed the Erica-type genetics
over a 14 year period, that these cows have a strong claim as the "cow of the future".
Read more about the various Äberdeen and Angus trait-types here.
Why put up this website?
While believe we have access to some unique genetics, we don't know how good they
really are.
We know that the Tranige experiments found that some cows were up to 100% more
efficient than others.
We know also, from the Hamilton trials, that the low-line Angus had to be stocked at a
rate of higher than 2 per hectare to ascertain their optimal efficiency.
We know the exceptional milking qualities of the Erica-type cows and their ability to
generate calf growth rates well in excess of a kilogram (2.2 lbs) per day - from birth to
weaning.
We know, from personal experience, the Erica's abilities to 'do it tough' during droughts
and still maintain condition when larger stock can't.
We have anecdotal information on the cost to industry through cow/calving losses, from
first-time heifers especially, but have no reliable data on an industry wide basis.
We know that cattle generally get a bad rap viz methane and the greenhouse gas issue.
We don't know (scientifically) if efficient, early-maturing cattle have a lower negative
environmental impact that the larger, later-maturing animals.
We know that these cattle can be raised and finished on grass (without the necessity of
large resource-intensive feed-lot finishing systems), but we can't yet quantify the
economic advantage of this capability.
We don't know the economics of running a herd of these cattle, vis a vis other breeds,
under a suitable management system etc. Please feel free to add to what we don't know
and we will try to find out.
Broken Arrow Genetics has been researching the Erica Angus-type cattle since 1993
when they purchased ex-experimental stock from Trangie.
Our ultimate objective is to see if the Erica Angus-type genetics for high milk producing, ea
sy fleshing animals can have a positive impact on current, oil-intensive beef-raising
practices and a positive (or less negative) impact on the environment.
The Erica Angus breeders have a lot of questions and would like to find some answers.
Research enquiries can be directed to greg@linebrederica.com
While believe we have access to some unique genetics, we don't know how good they
really are.
We know that the Tranige experiments found that some cows were up to 100% more
efficient than others.
We know also, from the Hamilton trials, that the low-line Angus had to be stocked at a
rate of higher than 2 per hectare to ascertain their optimal efficiency.
We know the exceptional milking qualities of the Erica-type cows and their ability to
generate calf growth rates well in excess of a kilogram (2.2 lbs) per day - from birth to
weaning.
We know, from personal experience, the Erica's abilities to 'do it tough' during droughts
and still maintain condition when larger stock can't.
We have anecdotal information on the cost to industry through cow/calving losses, from
first-time heifers especially, but have no reliable data on an industry wide basis.
We know that cattle generally get a bad rap viz methane and the greenhouse gas issue.
We don't know (scientifically) if efficient, early-maturing cattle have a lower negative
environmental impact that the larger, later-maturing animals.
We know that these cattle can be raised and finished on grass (without the necessity of
large resource-intensive feed-lot finishing systems), but we can't yet quantify the
economic advantage of this capability.
We don't know the economics of running a herd of these cattle, vis a vis other breeds,
under a suitable management system etc. Please feel free to add to what we don't know
and we will try to find out.
Broken Arrow Genetics has been researching the Erica Angus-type cattle since 1993
when they purchased ex-experimental stock from Trangie.
Our ultimate objective is to see if the Erica Angus-type genetics for high milk producing, ea
sy fleshing animals can have a positive impact on current, oil-intensive beef-raising
practices and a positive (or less negative) impact on the environment.
The Erica Angus breeders have a lot of questions and would like to find some answers.
Research enquiries can be directed to greg@linebrederica.com