Pineywoods Cattle Characteristics, Milk Production, Price

One of the oldest varieties of cattle in the US is the Pineywoods, which descended from Spanish cattle that were first imported to the country in the early 1500s. The cattle naturally adapted to the Gulf Coast's rugged, forested landscape. They have developed an innate resistance to the majority of diseases, enabling them to feed on harsh vegetation that commercial livestock avoid. Pineywoods are classified as "dry land" cattle and have adapted to predator avoidance by spending minimal time at their water source. 

Characteristics

These cattle are low-impact because they have evolved to be naturally resistant to the majority of diseases and can flourish in wooded areas. They are modest in stature and easy to calve with vigorous reproduction; they also have genetic strength, adaptability, and low upkeep. The horns of the majority of Pineywood's cattle are long and angular, with a wide variety of spotting patterns and nearly all solid colors. Generally, a cow weighs 600–800 pounds, and a bull weighs 800-1,200 pounds.

Milk Production

Although they are not classified as dairy cattle, Pineywoods cattle are prized for their lean meat and are said to yield rich milk, which makes them ideal for milking and small-scale beef production. They are perfect for small-scale milk production since they have strong maternal instincts and can yield a lot of milk for their calves. 

Cost

Pineywoods Cattle prices vary by age, gender, and strain. The prices listed by Pineywoods Beef for breeding stock are as follows: 

$1200 for a sprung cow and calf (trio); 

Cow, sprung $900; 

 Cow, open $800; 

$850 for a sprung heifer; 

Heifer, $700 open; 

Bull: Depending on age and strain, from $600 to $1200.