Lowline cattle are predictable and consistent. Lowline cattle combine many desireable traits which appeal to the small acreage farmer, the commercial cattleman, and the beef consumer.
Lowline cattle are a natural choice for the small acreage farmer. Their manageable size makes them easy keepers. They are easy on the environment, maintaining themselves on grass, and require minimal handling facilities. Their docile temperament makes them easy and a pleasure to manage. Big Island Lowlines receives great interest from cattlemen who have had cattle all of their lives, and now are interested in a breed that is a bit more manageable. As well, Big Island Lowlines receives interest from many who own or have just purchased a small acreage and are interested in running some cattle, and from those who work off the farm as well, and are looking for easy keepers.
Crossbreeding with a Lowline bull will result in easy calving, with the benefits of the original Aberdeen Angus genes. This is especially helpful with first-time calving heifers. A 1000-1200 pound heifer will produce a calf weighing 70-80 pounds. The calves are born small and aggressive with rapid early growth. Lowline cross animals easily reach slaughter requirements compatible with other breeds on roughly a 1/3 less feed. Big Island Lowlines receives great interest from cattlemen wanting to downsize their herd and subsequently their feed costs, as well as to reduce calving loss. Commercial heifers bred to a Lowline bull calve easily and breed back quickly, reducing calving interval. Those using Big Island Lowline bulls have been very pleased with their halfblood calves. Big Island Lowlines has been successfully crossbreeding and selling these animals since 2005. We have been crossing with Galloway, Angus, and Simmental.
Lowline cattle reach market weights on roughly 1/2 to 1/3 less feed. Carcasses yield between 60 and 65%. Lowline beef is tender, tasty, and well marbled. The cuts are smaller, which is desired by many in the beef consumer market. Lowline beef is highly sought after in restaurants in Australia and the United States. This is an area of great promise in Canada as well. Big Island Lowlines had it’s first experience selling beef in the summer and fall of 2006. We have received extremely positive feedback and will have many repeat customers. Many customers told us that the beef was “the best beef we have had in years!” We are very excited about the excellent product we are able to provide to beef consumers!
The future is very promising for Lowline cattle. The breed is moving forward with every step taken receiving positive results. The Canadian Lowline Cattle Association is committed to maintaining genetic purity and breed integrity, and requires DNA parentage verification on all fullblood Lowlines. The Association membership is very excited about the breed, and is working hard to promote the excellent traits of Lowline cattle, as well as the opportunities available to those considering investing in the breed. |