Breed Complementarity

It is universally accepted that one breed of cattle cannot be the best at every trait. This is where it is important to implement the science of Breed Complementarity. This concept of joining of more than one breed of cattle so that the offspring excels in the positive attributes of both parents.

Crossbreeding

April 10, 2019

Crossbreeding ASA

Improving Cow Herd Reproduction Via Genetics

By Wade Shafer, Ph.D., ASA Executive Vice President Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2008 issue of the SimTalkwritten by Wade Shafer, Ph.D. Drs. Lauren Hyde and Jackie Atkins provided updates for reprint. A beef cow’s job is not an easy one. She is expected to conceive at slightly over one year of age, to calve by the time she…

March 20, 2019

Crossbreeding ASA

Breeding Systems

Beef Breeding Systems: the strategic use of breed strengths via mating schemes to generate heterosis and leverage breed complementarity with a selection of individual breeding candidates of specific genetic merit to achieve production goals within and across various enterprises in the beef value chain. Read more Crossbreeding Systems for Small Herds of Beef…

March 20, 2019

Crossbreeding ASA

Crossbreeding the Forgotten Tool

Printable PDF Jim Gosey, Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Proceedings, The Range Beef Cow Symposium XIX December 6, 7 and 8, 2005, Rapid City, South Dakota INTRODUCTION Most ranchers know crossbreeding can increase output, but perhaps, don’t appreciate the potential 25% crossbred advantage in lifetime productivity of crossbred…

March 20, 2019

Crossbreeding ASA

Heterosis

More on Heterosis Heterosis... Hype or Legit? Crossbreeding The Forgotten Tool The Value of Heterosis in Cow Herds Heterosis is a genetic phenomenon discovered in the 1940s and is universally accepted today as the only free lunch in the cattle business. It is responsible for the increase in growth, size, fertility, function, yield, or other characteristics…