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.
Analyzing what makes an animal superior has led to embryo transplants, when the fertile eggs of a superior cow are planted into the wombs of lesser animals. These surrogate mothers carry the calves and nurture them, but pass no traits along. All the off-spring are direct descendants of the egg donor. This practice can help those who produce breeding stock for sale, but meat production is not necessarily enhanced.
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.
Understanding the way heredity works is important in herd management. Animals with similar gene pools can often maximize certain characteristics in their off-spring, like fast weight gain or superior carcass quality. This is 'line' or 'in' breeding, in which two animals with common ancestors are mated. Although the practice can achieve certain goals, it also can weaken the over-all health and vitality of successive generations. For better results in fertility, calf survival, and long productive life, out-breeding is used, which mates animals of one breed but in no way related.
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.
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.
Analyzing what makes an animal superior has led to embryo transplants, when the fertile eggs of a superior cow are planted into the wombs of lesser animals. These surrogate mothers carry the calves and nurture them, but pass no traits along. All the off-spring are direct descendants of the egg donor. This practice can help those who produce breeding stock for sale, but meat production is not necessarily enhanced.
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.
Understanding the way heredity works is important in herd management. Animals with similar gene pools can often maximize certain characteristics in their off-spring, like fast weight gain or superior carcass quality. This is 'line' or 'in' breeding, in which two animals with common ancestors are mated. Although the practice can achieve certain goals, it also can weaken the over-all health and vitality of successive generations. For better results in fertility, calf survival, and long productive life, out-breeding is used, which mates animals of one breed but in no way related.
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.
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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