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Red Polls for Economics and Environment

The MLA’s major focus is on Economic Viability for producers and Environmental Impact of cattle. Red Polls have much to offer the beef industry in these and other areas.

Economic Production

• Red Polls are one of the most productive British beef breeds.
• Red Polls are a great maternal breed, impart because of their early maturity and longevity. In the right conditions, they can be joined at 12 months and produce a calf every year for the next 12 – 15 years or longer. The Net Present Value (NPV) of such a productive animal is outstanding.
• The purity of the genetic legacy of the breed increases its value for heterosis.
• The Red Polls maternal characteristics make it ideal for crossing with other breed to increase milk quality and fertility.
• Red Polls have natural advantage of dominant polled gene.

Environmental and Social Benefits

• Red Polls have an advantage over most other British breeds for adaptability to challenging and changing environmental conditions.
• Red Polls have excellent temperaments. Current research by CRC has identified genes associated with good temperaments can better manage heat stress. Red coats are more desirable because they don’t retain the heat like black coats, and they’re not susceptible to sunburn and eye cancers like whiter coats. 
• Red Polls are well known for a high proportion of the slick gene that make them heat and tick resistant. Two breeds well known for this trait are the Senepol and Jamaican Red which originally co-opted the slick gene from Red Poll ancestry.
• Members of the ARPCBI foster a great social atmosphere. The Red Poll breed has a strong membership who show their cattle at local and Royal shows around the country. This is a great opportunity for members to showcase their cattle to the public, and to catch up with like-minded breeders and friends. 
• The Red Poll breed runs an annual youth camp where participants learn all about handling and preparation for shows and have a great time, often establishing lifelong friendships.
• Regional groups meet regularly to foster members input and hear of developments proposed by the national executive.