Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist, offers herd health advice as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Peel, Mark Johnson, and Paul Beck. Today, Johnson talks about genetics in relation to profit.
Commercial cow-calf operations should take advantage of both additive and non-additive genetic effects. This can be accomplished in two phases: 1) determining which breeds to incorporate into a well-designed crossbreeding system in order to gain hybrid vigor and breed complementarity; and, 2) selecting sires within those breeds based on strong additive genetic values (in the form of EPDs) for the traits of primary economic importance in your production and marketing system.
The results of a well-designed crossbreeding system are primarily realized through the advantages of the crossbred cow. As compared to purebred cows:
- Crossbred cows have 1 – 2 years more longevity in production
- Produce more calves and average 600 more pounds of cumulative weaning weight over there lifetime in production
Crossbred calves, as compared to purebred calves:
- Have a higher calving rate and greater survival rate to weaning
- Higher weaning weights, higher ADG and higher yearling weights
The magnitude of these advantages will vary based on the breeds involved. Bos Taurus crossed to Bos Indicus will respond with higher levels of heterosis for reproduction, growth and carcass traits than Bos Taurus to Bos Taurus crosses. The USDA Meat Animal Research Center’s Germplasm Evaluation Program serves as a long-standing resource for current additive genetic differences among beef breeds as well as the non-additive genetic response observed when making specific breed crosses.
Crossbreeding for the sake of crossbreeding is not suggested. Selecting the right breeds based on additive genetic strengths and complementarity is critical. A well designed crossbreeding system will require an additional level of management and considerations. Determining if sires will be used as terminal or rotational. If replacement heifers are to be purchased from outside sources or produced from within should be part of the planning process.
Reference: Blueprint For The Future – Part 2 Cattle Conference. Selection and Mating Panel Discussion. May, 2024
Below, Mark Johnson, OSU Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, discusses economically relevant traits in cattle herds on SunUpTV from May 18, 2024.
