Ranchers and farmers who raise beef are constantly working to better their bottom line. The price of meat is a variable one, and the key to success is offering high quality while cutting costs whenever possible. Beef cattle genetics are fascinating to scientists who study heredity and genes, but the viewpoint of the producer is purely practical.
Heredity is the passing along of genes from both parents. By breeding for desirable characteristics, ranchers can move positively towards their goals. Sometimes, however, breeding for maximum trait optimization can be detrimental. Line-breeding or in-breeding means mating two animals from similar gene pools. This practice can produce animals that gain weight faster or have superior 'carcass quality', but it can decrease over-all health and vitality in the herd.
Another modern practice is embryo transfer, when the fertilized eggs of a superior cow are implanted in cows of inferior breeding but which will make good mothers. The surrogates nurture the direct descendants of the donor cow. This can benefit those who produce breeding stock, but meat producers don't find this practice worth the expense and effort involved.
Many farmers find that combining new knowledge with tried-and-true methods from their practical experience works best. Culling has been done by successful producers for generations. This involves the regular removal of less productive animals from the herd, to save on the cost of feeding and care. With knowledge gained from checking genetic records, the herdsman can pair high-producing cows with bulls selected for the traits they pass along that mesh with the rancher's goals for production and herd improvement.
An understanding of the way heredity works is helpful in herd management. It is known now that in-breeding, or breeding animals with similar gene pools, is detrimental to their health and vitality. Out-breeding works better, by selecting animals within the particular breed but in no way related. This improves fertility, the number of live births, the ability of calves to thrive, and total health and productive life of the animals.
Mating animals of two different breeds works even better. This practice results in what is called 'hybrid vigor' in the off-spring. When breeds which complement each other are chosen, the off-spring may enhance the good traits of both parents. There are many fine types of crossbred cattle making profit margins higher around the world.
With artificial insemination, it's possible to use the very best bulls to achieve goals necessary to prosperity. Some producers want to buy yearlings and fatten them for market. For them, fast weight gain and a good feed-to-meat conversion is all important. For the producer of calves, having cows that conceive readily, give birth easily, and nurture their calves well is the goal. For show cattle, good conformation is paramount.
Good herd management and continued prosperity calls for combining traditional methods with the knowledge gained from genetic research. Understanding how careful choice of breeding partners can produce superior animals with the characteristics needed for success can make all the time and effort worth it. There are many fine purebred and cross-bred strains to choose from in the cattle business of today.
Heredity is the passing along of genes from both parents. By breeding for desirable characteristics, ranchers can move positively towards their goals. Sometimes, however, breeding for maximum trait optimization can be detrimental. Line-breeding or in-breeding means mating two animals from similar gene pools. This practice can produce animals that gain weight faster or have superior 'carcass quality', but it can decrease over-all health and vitality in the herd.
Another modern practice is embryo transfer, when the fertilized eggs of a superior cow are implanted in cows of inferior breeding but which will make good mothers. The surrogates nurture the direct descendants of the donor cow. This can benefit those who produce breeding stock, but meat producers don't find this practice worth the expense and effort involved.
Many farmers find that combining new knowledge with tried-and-true methods from their practical experience works best. Culling has been done by successful producers for generations. This involves the regular removal of less productive animals from the herd, to save on the cost of feeding and care. With knowledge gained from checking genetic records, the herdsman can pair high-producing cows with bulls selected for the traits they pass along that mesh with the rancher's goals for production and herd improvement.
An understanding of the way heredity works is helpful in herd management. It is known now that in-breeding, or breeding animals with similar gene pools, is detrimental to their health and vitality. Out-breeding works better, by selecting animals within the particular breed but in no way related. This improves fertility, the number of live births, the ability of calves to thrive, and total health and productive life of the animals.
Mating animals of two different breeds works even better. This practice results in what is called 'hybrid vigor' in the off-spring. When breeds which complement each other are chosen, the off-spring may enhance the good traits of both parents. There are many fine types of crossbred cattle making profit margins higher around the world.
With artificial insemination, it's possible to use the very best bulls to achieve goals necessary to prosperity. Some producers want to buy yearlings and fatten them for market. For them, fast weight gain and a good feed-to-meat conversion is all important. For the producer of calves, having cows that conceive readily, give birth easily, and nurture their calves well is the goal. For show cattle, good conformation is paramount.
Good herd management and continued prosperity calls for combining traditional methods with the knowledge gained from genetic research. Understanding how careful choice of breeding partners can produce superior animals with the characteristics needed for success can make all the time and effort worth it. There are many fine purebred and cross-bred strains to choose from in the cattle business of today.
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