Raising cattle has been a traditional occupation for many, but it has not always been a way to prosperity. Meat prices are variable, and hard work does not necessarily pay off. New knowledge of beef cattle genetics can help producers cut costs and losses while maximizing profits. Although scientists are learning much from the study of heredity and how traits are passed to future generations, the rancher's interests are purely practical.
Genetics is the study of heredity, or how traits are passed from parent to off-spring. There are many new techniques in the cattle industry as a result of these studies. Line-breeding, or mating two cows with similar gene pools, can result in maximizing certain traits like rapid growth and top carcass quality (ratio of meat to bone, lean to fat, higher-quality cuts to lesser). However, breeding closely-related animals in order to get certain traits can lead to problems, like infertility, low survival rates in calves, and less resistance to disease.
Embryo transplanting is when a prime cow is mated to a superior bull and her fertilized eggs harvested. Surrogate mother cows carry her off-spring and nurture the calves, each of which carries her excellent bloodline. Embryo transplants are of benefit to those who are raising breeding stock, but meat-producing ranchers have found that less high-tech measures may achieve higher profits.
The smart producer will take advantage of modern advances in genetic science and combine them with personal experience and proven industry-wide methods. For instance, the traditional culling of unproductive cows from the herd still increases profits. Checking genetic records before choosing a bull means that high performing cows can be paired with bulls that pass their good traits along and overcome any weaknesses in the cows. This practice is key to gradual herd improvement.
A basic knowledge of heredity explains what ranchers already know, that breeding animals with similar genetic backgrounds (within the breed and with some common ancestors) can reduce health and vitality. Out-breeding, which means choosing animals within the breed but of different strains, works better in terms of conception, ability to carry and nurture a calf, and length of productive life.
What works even better is cross-breeding, when each parent is from a different breed. The good traits of both will be intensified by hybridization. Ranchers call it 'hybrid vigor' and value cross-breds for their excellent across-the-board performance.
Artificial insemination gives almost anyone access to top-performing bulls. Genetic records mean that ranchers can choose a bull that has been proven to pass along characteristics that will advance the rancher's goals. For meat-producers, more weight gain for less feed is an important trait. For those who raise calves to sell as yearlings, getting heifers that conceive readily, give birth easily, and raise strong calves is essential. They also need to raise calves that thrive early and grow fast to appeal to feedlot buyers.
Success in the cattle industry comes with good herd management and proper care of the very best cows obtainable. Genetics helps get the most out of the effort and expense of raising beef.
Genetics is the study of heredity, or how traits are passed from parent to off-spring. There are many new techniques in the cattle industry as a result of these studies. Line-breeding, or mating two cows with similar gene pools, can result in maximizing certain traits like rapid growth and top carcass quality (ratio of meat to bone, lean to fat, higher-quality cuts to lesser). However, breeding closely-related animals in order to get certain traits can lead to problems, like infertility, low survival rates in calves, and less resistance to disease.
Embryo transplanting is when a prime cow is mated to a superior bull and her fertilized eggs harvested. Surrogate mother cows carry her off-spring and nurture the calves, each of which carries her excellent bloodline. Embryo transplants are of benefit to those who are raising breeding stock, but meat-producing ranchers have found that less high-tech measures may achieve higher profits.
The smart producer will take advantage of modern advances in genetic science and combine them with personal experience and proven industry-wide methods. For instance, the traditional culling of unproductive cows from the herd still increases profits. Checking genetic records before choosing a bull means that high performing cows can be paired with bulls that pass their good traits along and overcome any weaknesses in the cows. This practice is key to gradual herd improvement.
A basic knowledge of heredity explains what ranchers already know, that breeding animals with similar genetic backgrounds (within the breed and with some common ancestors) can reduce health and vitality. Out-breeding, which means choosing animals within the breed but of different strains, works better in terms of conception, ability to carry and nurture a calf, and length of productive life.
What works even better is cross-breeding, when each parent is from a different breed. The good traits of both will be intensified by hybridization. Ranchers call it 'hybrid vigor' and value cross-breds for their excellent across-the-board performance.
Artificial insemination gives almost anyone access to top-performing bulls. Genetic records mean that ranchers can choose a bull that has been proven to pass along characteristics that will advance the rancher's goals. For meat-producers, more weight gain for less feed is an important trait. For those who raise calves to sell as yearlings, getting heifers that conceive readily, give birth easily, and raise strong calves is essential. They also need to raise calves that thrive early and grow fast to appeal to feedlot buyers.
Success in the cattle industry comes with good herd management and proper care of the very best cows obtainable. Genetics helps get the most out of the effort and expense of raising beef.
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