Hays Converter facts for kids

The Hays Converter is a special type of cattle breed. It was created in Alberta, Canada. This breed is named after Harry Hays. He was a farmer and a politician. The Hays Converter was the first pure cattle breed developed in Canada. Work on this breed started in 1959. It was officially recognized in December 1975. Senator Hays wanted to create a cattle breed that grew very fast. His goal was to get them to market weight quickly.

What Makes Hays Converters Special?

The Hays Converter is a tough beef cattle breed. It can handle the harsh weather in Alberta. These cattle have strong legs and good feet. This makes them very hardy. Most Hays Converters are black. They often have white marks on their face, legs, and belly. Sometimes, they can be red and white, but this is rare.

Size and Growth of Hays Converters

Female Hays Converter cows usually weigh between 1250 and 1500 pounds. Male bulls can be much larger. They can reach a weight of 2300 to 2800 pounds. Hays Converters are known for maturing early. This means they can breed and have calves sooner than many other cattle breeds.

How the Hays Converter Breed Was Developed

Harry Hays chose three specific cattle breeds. He wanted to combine their best traits. He crossed Holstein cattle with Hereford cattle. He also used Brown Swiss cattle. These three breeds were picked for very good reasons.

Choosing the Parent Breeds

• Holstein cattle were chosen for their strong feet. They also produce milk with high butter-fat. This helps calves grow faster and stronger.
• Hereford cattle were selected for their fast growth rate. This trait helps their offspring mature quickly too.
• Brown Swiss cattle were picked for their well-shaped udders. They also produce milk for a long time.

Selecting for Desired Traits

Once the breeding began, Hays carefully selected the offspring. He looked for specific traits he wanted. Any calves that did not meet his high standards were not used for further breeding. This strict selection helped improve the breed.

By 1975, the Hays Converter achieved pedigree status. This meant it was a recognized pure breed. It had all the traits Harry Hays hoped for. These traits included a high growth rate and a sturdy body. They also had good meat quality and easy calving. Plus, they produced excellent milk.