Human nature often leads us to focus on outcomes in terms of the most, the highest or the fastest—the maximum—while discounting or ignoring the relative cost of inputs.
Consider the extraordinary gains U.S. cattle producers have made in terms of average carcass quality over the past two decades. While it has been a boon for consumer beef demand, various data suggests part of the cost has been reproduction and production efficiency. Key measures of ranch profitability, like pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, have remained static or declined. Logic says part of the reason is increased straight-breeding focused on the end product and decreased heterosis from crossbreeding. Heterosis increases output at less cost, especially when it comes to the least heritable traits, such as fertility.
Various research projects conducted by the American Hereford Association (AHA) underscore and mirror the economic advantages of direct and maternal heterosis documented by decades of industry research.
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Direct heterosis increases performance of the crossbred calf relative to the average of the straightbred parental breeds, according to the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC).
• Survival to weaning (+1.9%).
• Weaning weight (+3.9%).
• Post-weaning gain (+2.6%).
• Yearling weight (+3.8%).
• Feed conversion (+2.2%).
Maternal heterosis increases performance of the crossbred cow relative to the average of straightbred females of the parental breeds.
• Calving rate (+3.7%).
• Weaning weight (+3.8%).
• Longevity (+38%).
• Number of calves (+17%).
• Cumulative weaning weight (+25.3%).
The value of maternal heterosis is most visible in the increased number of calves (lifetime), cow longevity and cumulative weaning weight (lifetime).
Advantages associated with heterosis can be magnified based on the inherent strengths of the breed components in the crossbreeding plan, as well as the complementarity between the breeds.
Hereford heterosis has more punch
Hereford genetics are often favored in crossbreeding for a couple of real-world reasons. First are the inherent Hereford strengths of docility, fertility, feed efficiency in the feedlot and on pasture, longevity and production efficiency. Another reason Hereford genetics are commonly favored is the fact that they are the least related to any other Bos taurus breed—documented by USMARC—which means they offer more heterotic impact.
Most recently, researchers at Oklahoma State University (OSU) conducted a multi-year study of pasture cow feed efficiency (Table 1). Compared to straight-bred black Angus cows, Hereford-sired black baldy females consumed 2 pounds less modest-quality pasture forage per day. That’s about 725 lbs. less per cow over the course of a year—about an acre less per year of the pasture in the study. Plus, the black baldy females maintained a 0.5 higher body condition score throughout the research. These advantages translate to at least $50 of savings in annual feed costs per black baldy female.
Research in real-world production settings consistently documents the advantages of breeding Hereford bulls to straightbred and high-percentage black Angus cows to produce Hereford-sired black baldies.
For instance, heterosis studies conducted by the AHA at Harris Ranch in California and Circle A Ranch in Missouri document superior performance of black baldy calves, compared to their straight-bred black Angus counterparts. In these studies, baldy calves consistently weighed 15-20 lbs. more at weaning.
Black baldy females retained as replacements had a 7% higher pregnancy rate than their straight-bred black Angus peers.
Apply these advantages to a 1,000-head black Angus commercial cow herd, and Hereford genetics can generate nearly $149,000 in additional revenue after just four years. This is due to the fact you are getting more females bred, which gives you more pounds to sell. Keep in mind, the example offered disregards the savings in cow depreciation cost that comes with the ability to keep cows productive longer and flatten the herd age curve.
Previous and current AHA research projects compared Hereford-sired black baldy calves and breeding females to straight-bred black Angus peers. Experience and logic say the results are similar for Hereford-sired red baldies and tiger-stripes.
Build back with more heterosis
Persistent, widespread drought likely cleaved about 2.5 million beef cows from the U.S. cow herd between the most recent peak number in 2019 and the beginning of this year. That’s assuming the beef cow inventory was 3% less year over year when 2023 began. That means individual producers and the collective industry have the opportunity to add lots more heterosis to the nation’s herd. In other words, there’s plenty of opportunity to increase net revenue potential.
Study the data, count the dollars
Research in real-world production settings consistently documents the advantages of adding Hereford genetics to a black cow herd. The Harris Ranch heterosis project in California and the Circle A Ranch in Missouri both found baldy calves outperformed straight-bred black calves. In these studies, baldy calves consistently weighed 15-20 lbs. heavier at weaning compared to their straight-bred black counterparts, and baldy females showed a 7% higher pregnancy rate when compared to straight-bred black females.
When these truths are applied, the dollars add up. When applied to a 1,000-head black cow herd, Hereford genetics can generate nearly $149,000 in additional revenue after just four years. This is due to the fact that you are getting more females bred, which in return gives you more pounds to sell. — Shane Bedwell, chief operating officer and director of breed improvement
