Important Characteristics
The Sussex breed possesses many desirable characteristics, of which three in particular will prove fundamental to its continued success:
- its size,
- hardiness, and
- an abundance of milk
Presently, the Sussex is a medium sized animal, and while competitive breeds have in recent times become larger than the Sussex there is no doubt that even in the UK, there will always be a market for an earlier maturing beef animal. This characteristic secures for the Sussex breed a unique role under production systems where beef is produced off grass or pastures.
The second vitally important quality which dates back to the origin of the breed, is its ability to survive, indeed to thrive, under harsh conditions. Apart from its non-selective grazing habits, its superior heat resistance, which it owes to its smooth summer coat, contributes to its adaptability under hot extensive grazing conditions. If there is to be any role for a beef breeding herd in modern farming systems then it will be to utilise the poor quality grazing which can be found on most farms - whether in the UK or in the ranching areas of Southern Africa, the United States or Australia. Sussex cows are invariably good milkers - the third important characteristic. By strict selection, milk has been a plus factor in the Sussex breed. As a result, with its high fertility the breed has become a valuable source of female breeding material, both in the UK and in the extensive ranching areas of the world.
The Sussex breed has focused on a few carefully defined market segments. Where early maturity is required to enable calves to be finished off veld or pastures, similarly in a feedlot system, where the emphasis is on carcass quality and efficiency, Sussex will be the number one sire breed. Where a medium size dam line is required, Sussex with its excellent milk production and heat tolerance can once again fullfil the need - whether bred pure or crossed with one of the Bos Indicus breeds. And finally, in the case of a new or existing composite breed, Sussex crosses can and have been used with great effect as a source of basic female breeding material where their well known maternal characteristics and pigmented skin and uniform red colour can be of advantage. While the precise role of the breed will differ from one country to another, Sussex cattle have distinctive inherent qualities which, with the aid of careful breeding, selection and marketing, will secure for them a growing market in different countries of the world.
Return to our home page.
