Beef Breeds and Breeding

Composite Breeds

Breeds developed from crossing existing breeds.

Purebred

Registered lineage in breed organizations.

Terminal Breeds

Excel in growth rate and muscularity, all calves go to harvest

Dual-Purpose Breeds (Ex: Devon)

Above average in both beef and milk traits.

Major US Breeds

Includes Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Simmental.

Reproductive Performance

Measured by percent calf crop weaned.

Calving Interval

Optimal interval is 365 days.

Weaning Weight

Reflects cow's mothering ability and calf growth. Adjusted 205 day weight

Postweaning Growth

Growth from weaning to finished weight. Adjusted 365 day weight

Feed Efficiency

Difficult to measure; relates to cost-effectiveness.

Bull Selection

Accounts for 80-90% of genetic improvement.

Heifer Selection

Focus on early conception and heavy weaning weights.

Heterosis

Hybrid vigor; improved traits from crossbreeding.

Cow calf management

Average operations are not profitable every year

Reasons heifers bring less money than steers

1. Slower and lesser growth

2. Could be pregnant

3. More feed needed

When do heifers hit puberty and at what age do they calf?

15 months at puberty age and should calve at 2 years of age

What is a good body condition score?

6

What do you need to optimize calf crop percentages

Energy is a primary nutritional factor

Crossbreeding benefits

10-30% increase in pounds weaned and improved reproductive quality

What is the dressing percentage of beef cattle?

60-62%

At what day do we measure weaning weight?

205 days

Brahman

Simmental

Brangus

Gelbvieh

Shorthorn

Limosin

Santa Gertrudis