Senepol herds rarely experience pink-eye or cancer of the eye, even when no fly tags are used and/or vaccines administered.

Data from research, looking at natural immune systems of four breeds, indicated that Senepols have greater immune response. The N’Dama insect resistance is also present in Senepol.

The Senepol’s genetic make-up from two Bos Taurus breeds has resulted in a reproductively efficient animal. Veterinarians report that Senepol females have a straight cervix which makes A.I. easier. Senepol females also exhibit good visible signs of oestrus. The average Senepol flush yields 6.5 usable embryos. Heifers reach puberty earlier than Bos Indicus breeds, making it possible to calve replacement heifers as two year olds.

The Senepol male is an aggressive breeder with excellent scrotal size. Most bulls produce top quality semen by 12-14 months of age. The penile sheath is neat which helps avoid breeding pasture injuries that often result from pendulous sheaths.

The exceptional mothering and milking ability of the Red Poll is evident in today’s Senepol female. Milk production averaged 12kg per day for 268 days of lactation on Senepol cows milked in a dairy on the Island of St. Croix.

Average adult cow size is 499-544kg with cows weaning in excess of 50% of their body mass while maintaining an efficient calving interval. Tight, well-attached udders with short evenly spaced teats mean longevity in the cow herd. Many cows remain in the herd producing calves until 15-18 years of age.

Actual birth weights taken on the day of calving indicate 31kg to be the average on over 400 full blood Senepols.

Quick deliveries prevent calf bruising and/or restricted oxygen to the brain and result in excellent vigor in Senepol calves.

The extremely docile temperament of the Senepol breed makes for easy handling, thus an outstanding choice for youngsters in show-handling classes.

The Senepol is the only breed of Bos Taurus species that has the heat tolerance necessary for efficient beef production in hot regions.

The Senepol’s short red coat presents a striking sight as they graze in the noonday heat while other breeds seek the shelter of shade.

USDA research showed greater heat tolerance in Senepol than in Brahman, as well as British and Continental breeds. F-1 Senepol crosses proved to have virtually the same heat tolerance as full blood Senepols.

All attempts at crossing the Senepol with other breeds have been highly successful in producing F-1 offspring. They have performed so well in 2, 3 and 4 way crossbreeding programs that many cattlemen call the Senepol the universal cross-breeding animal.

In USDA research, Senepol crosses showed heterosis levels of 5.4% for birth weight; 6.2% for weaning weight, and 6.4% for gain per day, surpassing the 3-4% level normally expected in Bos Taurus/Bos Taurus crosses.

The polled character of Senepol cattle eliminates management problems.

The feedlot performance of the Senepol cattle is comparable to other Bos Taurus breeds. The group of over 1000 F-1 Senepol crosses have been finished in West Texas feedlots with excellent results. These cattle had an ADG of better that 1.6kg and a conversion rate of 3.2 or better. They excelled during the hot summer months, and performed significantly better than Brahman crosses through the winter months.

65% of these Senepol crosses graded choice by 15 months of age; with an average yield of 2.45 and an average fat thickness of 50.

In shear test studies Senepol is as tender as the English breeds.