Category Archives: News & Updates

News and updates about Watusi cattle, the organization, and members’ farms & ranches. If you have news you would like to publish or would like to become a contributor, please email us at info@watusi.org.

September Membership and Board Meeting

On September 25 the World Watusi Association Board of Directors held their annual reorganization meeting in conjunction with the Lolli Bros. Exotic Animal Sale in Macon, Missouri.  We had a packed list of agenda items to address.  The results of the election for the Board were announced with the winners being Pat Burnett, Matt Moffat and Brian Sims.   We all want to extend our congratulations to each member.  The annual election for the Officer’s for the 2019 through 2020 year resulted in Blake Edwards, President:  Garret Judd, Vice-President:  Cindi Darling, Secretary and Barry Retchloff, Treasurer.  All the contact information for the Board and Officers can be found on this website.

We wish to thank Pat Burnett for his previous years of serving as our President and Sheri Gurr for her tireless service as our Treasurer and director.   As you all know this is a volunteer organization of non-compensated individuals and we are very lucky to have all of these people willing to serve and donate their time.

We will be covering all of the items addressed at our various meetings and will be addressing possible By Law changes that all of us must agree upon with our next vote.

One of the major items that was passed at this meeting is a temporary change in the Lifetime Membership fees.  This fee is presently a one time charge of $500.00.  The Board was asked to address this item and  has implemented a new one time  fee of $250.00 to be in effect from September 25, 2019 through February 1, 2020.  When you receive your reminder of 2020 dues we will remind all members of this option.  We sincerely hope that many of our members will take advantage of this opportunity.

 

 

 

 

Knuckling & Contracted Tendons

Dickinson Cattle Co, LLC


 

DCC Ranch eNews #170 – 5-29-2019

by: Darol Dickinson

In 1987, Dr. Ben Carson was the lead neurosurgeon of a 70-member surgical team that separated conjoined twins, Patrick and Benjamin Binder, who had been joined at the back of the head (craniopagus twins); the separation surgery held promise in part because of the hopeless existence had Carson not operated.

Conjoined twins are identical twins[1] joined in utero. An extremely rare phenomenon, the occurrence is estimated to range from 1 in 49,000 births to 1 in 189,000 births, with a somewhat higher incidence in Southwest Asia and Africa.[2] Approximately half are stillborn, and an additional one-third die within 24 hours.

Whether it is human, animal or hatched fowl, deformities and mutations happen. Of course no one wants these unusual beings, but every effort is usually made so they will have a normal life.

Every now and then calves are born with a condition called contracted tendons. It results in the calf not being able to straighten out its front pasterns so they can put their hooves flat on the ground.

Calves that have this end up walking with their front hooves turned back. Some people refer to this also as knuckling.The most often mentioned theory revolves around insufficient room in the uterus for extension and growth of the tendons. Most believe it more often occurs in older cows and in bull calves who form a ball in the uterus. For long periods the ankles are bent back and the tendons do not stretch pre-birth.

Some say it may be mineral related. The minerals that may be involved are manganese and selenium. Vitamin D and E also play a part in muscle and tendon growth in the infantile calf.

Unfortunately, this condition does not have a well-defined cause or solution that I’ve been able to find.

Recently on Facebook this photo was published with questions about the why and how of the issue. What causes it and what does an owner do?

Certain plants ( lupine, locoweed, bluebonnet, and poison vetch), if eaten by the pregnant female at just the right point in gestation may contribute to the problem.

The affected calf may straighten out after hobbling around several days, depending on the severity of the knuckling. It’s important in the first few days to make sure the calf nurses. Keeping the cow and calf in a smaller area is advised.

Many years ago at DCC a Buelingo calf was born knuckled. We let her attempt to correct and it was not humane. She began to get sores on the front of her ankles above the hoof from walking on the skin.

We carved two small boards about a foot long and rounded the corners. Both legs below the knee were wrapped with cloth. A big ball of cloth was placed on the joint above the ankle. The lower leg was stretched straight to where the calf could walk on the hoof correctly. Then the whole thing was wrapped with vet wrap. She immediately began to run and play.

In a week or so the splints were removed and no one would ever know that was a problem.

From veterinarian articles no appearance of genetic future occurrences were recorded.

Hopefully this will help when or if you ever have one. You don’t have to call Dr. Carson, just do it yourself. DD

Election for Board Members

We are accepting nominations for candidates to the Board of Directors of the World Watusi Association for the fall 2019 election.  There are 3 positions available.  If you are interested or know of someone who would be please contact any member of the Nominating committee.  Chairman; Garett Judd, garettjudd@yahoo.com, 270.670.7787:  Vernon Base, vernonbase@gmail.com, 620-747-0798: Cindi Darling, watusi@liarslake.com, 417-634-4115.  All nominations should be submitted by June 15, 2019.  The 3 year positions up for election are those currently held by Pat Burnett, Sheri Gurr and Matt Moffatt.

New USDA labels for watusi and yak meat

FROM ONE OF OUR MEMBERS:

Hello Members,

At Dr. King’s® Natural Meats & Carolina Bison®, we are excited to announce our new USDA labels for Yak and Watusi meat. As many of you know, we have been in the meat industry and raising bison and Watusi since 1985. This industry is part of our mission, because wild meats offer such tremendous health benefits. We supply natural meats to thousands of retailers, and we’re now happy to expand our meat offering to all of our partners in the industry to buy at wholesale prices. We are offering all cuts of Watusi and Yak, including but not limited to: ground, rib-eye steak, strip steak, sirloin steak, and filet steak. In addition to all the health benefits of Yak and Watusi meat, both offer unique, quality flavor profiles. Our pricing is comparable to our bison meat; please see attached Watusi and Yak meat prices. Providing these quality meats on your farm and website will help build your business and promote these very special breeds. It is our intention to work together as a unified force to best grow these specialty industries. It is essential to have an uninterrupted, seamless supply of product to build a business. We have approximately 1,000 head of Yak and Watusi available for harvest. Our theme is, “It takes a team to fulfill the dream.” Check out our website www.drkings.com/farms for more info about our meats and also our available inventory. Or call (828)236-1659. Thank you It is a great honor to serve and be a part of these budding industries.

Dr. King’s Farms offers a broad selection of healthful bison and elk products for sale under our Carolina Bison and DK Natural Meats brands, as well as having some of the most impressive breeding stock of Bison and Watusi in the country
DR. KING’S NATURAL MEATS – AFRICAN WATUSI
ALL NATURAL PRODUCT, NO ANTIBIOTICS, NO GROWTH STIMULANTS
ALL ITEMS 1/4″ TRIM, USDA INSPECTED, ALL PRICING FOB
ALL PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE D
9.06.2018
BOXED SUBPRIMALS
ITEM DESCRIPTION NAMP # PRICE LB PC/CS AVG CS WT
TOP INSIDE ROUND 1/4 TRIM 168 $9.51 2 30
TONGUE $4.97 20
CHUCK ROLL N/O 116A $9.51 1 25
BRISKET 120 $9.51 2 30
SHORT RIBS 123A $5.65 8 25
STRIPLOIN 0X1 180 $18.96 2 17
RIBEYE LIPON 112A $18.96 2 20
TENDERLOIN 189A $26.52 4 15
FLANK 193 $10.68 12 25
INSIDE SKIRT STEAK 1121D $10.52 14 60
CASE READY
RIB EYE STEAK 1112A $22.10 8 5
FILET MIGNON 1189A $33.74 8 3
TOP SIRLOIN STEAK 1184 $16.25 8 5
NY STRIP STEAK 1180 $22.10 8 5
1 LB GROUND $9.44 12 12
FOODSERVICE
 5 LB GROUND $9.25 2 10

Spring Fling Update – reprint for information

The World Watusi Association just finished our ‘Spring Fling ‘ meeting and auction at the Lolli Bros Exotic Sale and our April  board meeting.   39 members attended the World Watusi Association meeting representing 9 different states.

We addressed several pending issues as well as revisited some previous ones.  The new up to date revised Rules and Fee Schedule are posted on this website.  Some of the items are the controversial Hardship program that has been wildly successful.  Although there are differences of opinion on the matter the Board of Director’s has extended the program indefinitely.  We have recovered a number of quality animals into the breed as percentage animals as well as new enthusiasts and members from this program.  The board examines any evidence and photographs of each individual animal submitted and determines if it qualifies as a percentage watusi or not.

Part of the WWA Board meeting. Duane Gilbert, Vernon Base, Garett Judd and Blake Edwards
WWA Board meeting. Duane Gilbert, Vernon Base, Garett Judd and Blake Edwards
WWA Board of Directpr's meeting.
WWA Board of Directpr’s meeting. Blake Edwards, matt Moffatt, Sheri Gurr and Pat Burnett.
A table of Judd’s from Edmonton, Kentucky. Brett, Kristie, Calvin, Brianna and Garett

As an incentive for membership we have continued and extended the program to  award a free one year membership to any person or entity that has never been a member of the WWA that purchases a registered watusi  at the Lolli Bros Exotic Animal Sale, Macon, Missouri;  Triple W Exotic Sale, Cookeville, Tennessee; or at the  Sycamore Springs Ranch Sale, Locust Grove,  Oklahoma .    Further we are offering a program to award $200.00 to the seller of the highest selling registered watusi steer at each of these sales.

Randy Gurr and Garett Judd handling the ‘Fun Auction’ and a very valuable rum cake

As the registry only offers registration to Foundation Pure and Native Pure bulls and no hardship on any bull.  We are encouraging steering of as many males as possible.  Registration is available for percentage steers or Foundation Pure steers at $10.00 from birth to 24 months of age and $20.00 over 24 months.   Steers sell very well and can be shown in sanctioned shows.  We do allow hardshipping of steers.

Garett Judd and Blake Edwards present the proper new WWA standard for measuring horns.
Garett Judd and Blake Edwards present the proper new WWA standard for measuring horns.

The Board has approved a new program of keeping records of horn measurement.  This will be fleshed out as time goes on, but the objective is to catalog horn length and breadth for future generations.  Through this method we hope to establish a system by which an animal’s total scores measure up against the rest of the breed.  The form is available under ‘Forms and Documents’ on this website to be downloaded and viewed.  There will be two systems of records listed on the site, those submitted by the owner  and the official score as submitted through Official Measuring Committee members.

Fun Auction
Just a few items offered at the ‘Fun Auction’, the cute picture now adorns the waiting room of Dr. Cree Sisneros in Mt. Pleasant, Texas; the beautiful WWA stainless steel logo is on display at Mariposa Ranch in Aubrey, Texas. The rum cake was a real winner.

 

Ankole products

Don Morgan advised us of this unique company.  Very interesting concept and use of horns.  A visit to their website tells their story.

“The more product I buy … the more I sell”
says Courtney Beachaump, store owner of Tiny Finch at the Pearl – San Antonio, TX

Courtney has been our go-to client, helping us test the market with new products and prices. She has increasingly invested in Ankole, placing larger orders every 2-3 months. She tries to represent the line fully with 3-5 pieces of each item on display. The Tiny Finch is known for having Ankole in stock so they have repeat customers who buy for themselves and for gifting! “Our customers love the story!”

Keys to Success:

#1-Train sales staff to tell the Ankole story

#2-Design a full table around the ANKOLE line

#3-Invite us to come participate in an event at your store to bring awareness and draw attention to the line.

http://www.ankoleliving.com

 

Auction Report – Macon, Missouri and Sycamore Springs Ranch, Oklahoma

Native Pure cow 'Firefly' Native Pure cow sold at Macon sale
Native Pure cow ‘Firefly’ Native Pure cow sold at Macon sale`

The sale of watusi at the Lolli Bros. Exotic Sale was held in Macon, Missouri on April 12, 2018.  A total of 43 head of registered watusi were offered, 4 percentage animals and an additional 9 head of grade animals.
Top Selling Foundation Pure cow:
RR Daisy $6500
Top Selling Foundation Pure Bull: $2700
Bar G Candy Man (top bid on a Foundation Pure bull was $8100.00 for BWS Redman, no sale)
Top Selling Foundation Pure Heifer $5,000, Holy Smoke
Top Selling Native pure cow:  $2700 Firefly
Top Selling Native pure bull $2500 Buster
Top Selling Native pure heifer: $3000 Lucy
Top Selling Foundation Steer $1650
(Top Bid Steer: $4900 No sale – Hocher)

Foundation Pure Heifers:Prices ranged from $5,000-$1250
Foundation Pure Bulls :$2700-1200
Foundation Pure cows $6500- $2750
Foundation Pure Bull calves $1650-$500
Foundation Pure steers $1650-450

Native Pure Heifers $3000-$1250
Native Pure Bulls $2500-$1100
Native Pure Cows $2700
Native Pure steers $4900NS- $300
Native Pure Heifer calves $1600-500
Native Pure Bull calves $ 975
Percentage Animals $1100-650
Grade watusi $1400-450

************

There was an exotic sale at the Sycamore Springs Ranch in Locust Grove, Oklahoma on April 21, 2018 which offered 6 grade watusi.  The prices realized were pretty good for grade animals in a small sale.  We hope that in the future more animals and registered stock will be offered at this facility.

6 grade Watusi sold.
1 – 3 yr old mean black bull $950
1 – 2 year old nice black heifer $1500
2 – 1 year old red heifers around $700
1 – 3 year old red cow bred to Longhorn bull $850
1 – 1 year old black bull $460

We thank Garett Judd and Blake Edwards for this submission.

Spring Fling Reminder

Just a quick reminder to all of our members and other Watusi enthusiasts.  The WWA will have its annual Spring Fling get-together on Wednesday evening, April 11, 2018 at 6:00 pm in the conference room of the Comfort Inn,  1817 North Missouri St.,  Macon, Missouri.  This is a great opportunity to share your stories, photos, brochures, animals for sale and such with others.  We will have a meal catered by Noland’s in Macon and will offer our Fun Auction fund raiser.

We will accept all donated items for our auction and usually receive many fun items such as skulls, artwork, food items, hot sauce, candy, local items from your home state, your imagination is your limit.  We often have African items and Watusi related materials.

Any questions of items that are of interest can be discussed.  Any suggestions to help our association run more favorably are welcome.

Watusi animals will be at auction on Thursday, April 12 so bring your checkbooks.  This year the WWA is offering a free membership to any first time buyer purchasing a registered animal at this sale.

Nice story

From: richard broker <rbroker@rtmc.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 10:31 AM
To: w atusi
Cc: World Watusi Association
Subject: Zoo Donation

In 2014 the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va., purchased two yearling Watusi Steers from Richard Broker who owns and operates River Oaks Cattle Co., in Robbins, NC. They developed into one of the most popular exhibits at the zoo. In September 2017 one of the steers developed a head tilt that continued to progress. After several attempts by the the zoo veterinarian staff to correct the problem it was decided to euthanize the steer. Richard Broker, who has stayed in touch with members of the Virginia Zoo, read and article about the head tilt and the decision. Richard called the director of the zoo and discussed the situation. On December 27, 2017 Richard donated and delivered a yearling replacement steer to the zoo. Richard is quoted as saying, “there is no better exposure to promote the Watusi breed than a zoo.  Especially a first class operation such as the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va. Greg Bockheim is the director and is to be commended on his devotion to excellence. Sometimes you do things just because it’s the right thing to do.”
I have discovered Watusi breeders have an undying devotion to the breed. We do things and make decisions with our heart and not our head when it involves our cattle.
In addition the members are supported by two great registry’s that do everything in their power to support the members. I think it is safe to say that this may be the only business not run remotely like a business, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sometimes in the rush of business life we don’t say thank you loud enough to be heard. I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all the members in each registry
for their efforts in promoting this majestic breed.
Richard L. Broker
River Oaks Cattle co.
Thank you as well Richard…..