Cross Breeding for Beef Production

Data are presented on the first phase of an experiment designed to test the possibilities of maintaining heterosis in beef cattle with a system of criss-crossing, using Hereford cows as a foundation, and using Shorthorn, Angus, and Hereford bulls to sire successive generations of offspring. The present study is based on 57 crossbred steers from Hereford cows and sired by Shorthorn bulls. Sixty-seven Hereford steers served as controls. Analyses of these data show that: The crossbred calves gained more rapidly in the feed-lot than the purebreds and were heavier at time of marketing. These differences were highly significant. The differences found between the purebreds and crossbreds in efficiency of gain, slaughter grade, and carcass grade were not statistically significant. The dressing percentage was higher in the crossbred than in the purebred steers. The crossbreds had fewer digestive disorders in the feed-lot than the purebreds, In general, the crossbred steers were less variable than the purebred steers. These findings indicate that crossbreeding offers a means of increasing production per animal unit, and that it should be profitable, under conditions where the practice is compatible with other breeding and management practices.