Senepol Genetics

Davis Rairdan has the only Senepol embryos for sale in Canada. Because Senepol cattle are an heat tolerant breed, Davis-Rairdan exports quantities of embryos to warmer climates. The docile Senepol temperament makes for easy handling. The meat produced is of high quality and carcasses always score well in carcass competitions. Senepol are 100% Bos Taurus.

Breed History

In the 1800s N'Dama Cattle were imported to the Caribbean Island of St. Croix from Senegal, West Africa. The N'Dama, a Bos taurus breed, was well suited for the Caribbean because of it's heat tolerance, insect & disease resistance and the ability to thrive on poor quality forage.

In 1918, Red Poll genetics were introduced to the N'Dama stock to improve milking ability, fertility and make the polled. This blending of genetics proved quite successful, and formed the foundation of the Senepol breed. As more Red Poll influence was added, strict selection pressure was applied for:

1. early maturity & maternal efficiency

2. polled & solid red color

3. definite heat tolerance

4. gentle disposition

On-farm performance testing began in the mid-1970s with the establishment of the Virgin Islands BCIA. In 1977 a plane carrying 22 Senepol cows left for the U.S. mainland; 20 years later, the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association recognizes over 500 breeders and more than 14,000 Senepol records. Today Senepol can be found thriving in 21 states & around the world in such countries as Venezuela, Mexico, Philippines, Zimbabwe, Brazil and many others where their tropically adapted production is needed.

Breed Characteristics

Disease & Insect Resistance USDA research indicates that Senepol have greater immune response when compared to other beef breeds. This is due greatly to the N'Dama influence in Senepol, and is also aided by generations of natural selection being applied on the island of St. Croix.

Polled

Calving Ease/Calf Vigor

Maternal Efficiency Senepol are similar to Angus in calving ease and light birth weight. The huge advantage they offer is tremendous calf vigor. Breeders everywhere are proud of the increased survival of Senepol-sired calves because they jump up and nurse quickly. Maternal Efficiency, is aided by the moderate size, fleshing and foraging ability of the Senepol cow. Adult cows average 1,000 to 1,200 lbs., and consistently wean off 50% or better of their body weight while maintaining an efficient calving interval.

Heat Tolerance USDA research establishes the cooler temperatures maintained by Senepol compared to Brahman, Angus and Hereford cows while grazing during the summer months in Florida. The same study revealed that F1 Senepol calves (both Hereford sired out of Senepol cows, and Senepol sired out of Hereford cows) maintained rectal temperatures almost identical to fullblood Senepol. Senepol possess Heat Tolerance, and they pass it on in crossbreeding programs.

Grazing studies performed at the USDA Subtropical Research Station, Brooksville, Florida, during the summers of 1990-91 concluded that Senepol grazed an average of 10.7 hours per day as compared to 9.3 hours a day for Herefoed cattle. A grazing advantage of 1.4 hrs/day.

Longevity
Every cattleman who visits St. Croix for the first time is amazed at the number of 15-20-year-old cows that are still in production. Often overlooked, perhaps no characteristic is as "multiple-trait" oriented, or as meaningful to the overall profitability of a cow/calf operator as Longevity.

Foraging/Fleshing Ability

Udder Quality

Easy Handling Generation after generation of Senepol have been selected for handling ease. This is an area where Senepol can greatly compliment other Heat Tolerant breeds.

Feedlot Performance Senepol continues to prove their ability to perform in areas other than the subtropics. Purebred and cross steers, have performed well repeatedly in Nebraska, Colorado, Virginia, Oklahoma and Texas panhandle feedlots.

Crossbreeding Specialist This breed compliments many breeds and helps to bring their advantageous traits to areas where heat tolerance is needed. In USDA research, thel crosses have expressed more heterosis than any Combination of British x British or British x Continental crosses.