Category Archives: Information

Information about Watusi cattle from all over the world.

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.

 

A Sad Story With A Great Ending

Another great story written by Darol Dickinson – it is specifically about longhorns, but fits all breeds.  Thank  you Darol for sharing with us.   https://www.texaslonghorn.com/
DCC Ranch e-News #146 – 8-17-18
by Darol Dickinson

The beautiful DCC cow Jam Packed gave birth to several calves in her young life including Drop Box, Real Jam and Full Pack. Jam Packed was ITLA International Champion Non Halter, and 2017 Horn Showcase Champion, now well over 90″ T2T.

Full Pack, age 18 months, was shown by Kara Dickinson at the 2017 ITLA Championship and won Champion Jr Heifer. In this photo she was well along pregnant to the promising young Jet Black son, Jet Lag.

In the Spring of 2018 Full Pack was growing a large mid-section. New things were going to happen in the life of this special age 2 heifer. She has never been a mother before.

A beautiful Jet Lag heifer was born, yet only lived a few normal days until something horribly unknown happened. When I checked pastures this innocent, beautiful heifer had her right front leg flopping out in a 45 degree angle with a crunching sound as she tried to hop along and keep up with her mother. Her leg was cleanly broken apart.

The good vet, Dr. Harold Kemp, with his professional-experienced hands, tenderly-moved the broken leg around and set it into the correct position.

A special type cast was constructed to hold the leg in the correct placement while she takes a long induced nap.

A lot of helping hands made it all fit perfect. She never felt a thing as she slept.


Everything was placed right where it was supposed to be, she wakes up. Now to control her activity so she takes it easy for slow-solid healing. She is placed in a clean stall and her loving mother can spend quality time with her several times every day.


A different cast was changed to fit this growing heifer. She still isn’t allowed to run
and play like the other calves. She wants to be a calf running over the DCC hills.


Today, here she is, one month later. She had her cast removed and is walking the last few days on the corrected problem leg. Her leg is not strong. The tendons are not stretched the correct length. Yet, she is up and going. Unfortunately no one can tell her to be careful. She will remain in the stall for another week or so then hope, hope – all goes well. Every red and white spotted life matters. The goal is to save every young life at DCC. Come say hello to her at the 51 Annual DCC Customer Appreciation day on September 29 — more on that next week.

Unique bull For Sale

 Young ,  colorful Native Pure Bull for sale.
River Oaks Mpuunga
River Oaks Mpuunga
 River Oaks Cattle Co., has decided to offer for sale this young bull.
Mpuuga DOB 7-24-2017. Sire : Entebbe, WWANP4793    Dam: Wood Chip, WWAFP4018.     Mpuuga is the only living grandson of Ankole #5.   This is a rare opportunity to acquire a young herd sire with these genetics.   Selling Price $2500.00.
For additional information contact Richard Broker 910-464-5244 or email riveroakscattle.com.

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

 

Mother Earth News Expo

 broker show 3
We have attached some pics of our exhibit at the 2018 Mother Earth News Expo in Asheville, NC. We had a steady stream of people for two days asking questions, taking pictures and just admiring the majestic Watusi cattle. Our goal was to promote the breed and I believe that was accomplished. Our exhibit was recognized as best booth in the livestock exhibits. We have been invited back again next year and the entire family is looking forward to the trip. We have also been invited to the South Carolina State Fair in 2018 but have not made a decision on that event at this time. Thanks to everyone in the association that made this expo very special.
Respectfully
Richard L. Broker
River Oaks Cattle Co., http://riveroakscattle.com
Robbins, NC  910-464-5244
broker show2

Foundation Pure Bulls For Sale

JHF KY COLONEL
JHF KY COLONEL, WWAFP2805 born April 20, 2008 by JHF Orambo Thunder out of JHF Barbie
2017 unregistered bull calf, Titan by JHF Colonel out of Bar G Spotted Tanza
2017 unregistered bull calf, Titan by JHF Colonel out of Bar G Spotted Tanza

I am looking to move out my  foundation pure older bull, JHF KY Colonel WWA FP2805, and my foundation pure young calf born last year. The bull is a proven breeder and is in good health. He has bred all of our cows every year and all calves have been healthy. He has a great gentle temperament and very easy to work around. He is 10 years old. The bull calf was born last January. Adult Bull is registered, young bull is able to be registered and will come with the registration application, his sire is JHF KY Colonel, WWA FP2805, dam is Bar G Spotted Tanza, WWAFP2080. We are asking for $5000 for the adult bull and the yearling $1500. If interested please contact Sarah Friedel at 240-566-6119. Thank you.

Sarah Friedel
Corporate Collections Manager and Registrar
General Curator
Virginia Safari Park
229 Safari Lane
Natural Bridge, VA 24578
scurator@virginiasafaripark.com
(540) 291-3205 ext. 108
(240) 566-6119