Owning Lowlines is fun, whether you want pets, show cattle, beef for the freezer or are serious about producing beef on a commercial scale, there is a Lowline for everyone.
Care is required to ensure you end up with the Lowlines that fit your needs, Lowlines are not created equal. It can be an expensive and disappointing experience ending up with the wrong animals.
From the beginning when Lowlines were first released from Trangie in August 1992, it was evident that there were large framed lowlines and small Lowlines and everything in between. Astute buyers targeted either the very small for backyard hobby situations or larger frame lowlines where feeding levels didn’t restrict growth.
Lowline cattle are perceived as small largely due to the success of them being promoted as lifestyle block cattle and these types suit some owners well where access to high quality abundant feed may be restricted while the larger and fast growing Lowlines may be more suitable where profitable beef production is essential. All Lowlines produce beef, they are a beef breed, however along with a wide range in size comes a wide variation in growth rates and mature weights.
Some lowlines are genetically predisposed to average growth rates of 0.3 kg per day while others are more than capable of powering away at over 1 kg per day for sustained periods. Some may mature at barely over 250 kg while others can exceed 800 kg, with some Lowlines reaching mature weight before two years old and others are still gaining at four years old. However, there is no clear correlation between mature weight and growth rate – some slow growers end up small while other slow growers end up large, and vice versa.
The only way really to end up with the right animals that suit your needs is to talk to and visit your breeder, look at the animals, spend time with the herd and learn if they are what you are looking for. Take particular notice of the animals that catch your eye as it’s very important to enjoy looking at the animals you end up with. Assess their temperament while you are in their environment and learn about structure, starting with their feet and legs.
BUYER BEWARE
Not all lowlines are registerable or registered. If you are after quality stud breeding stock, then it is even more important to talk to a local breeder and ask for advice.
For more information, contact
North Island- Matt Wilkinson nzlowlines@gmail.com
South Island- Glen Treweek nzlowlines@gmail.com
New Zealand Lowlines 