Management
individual heterosis. Combining the
advantage of crossbred calves (8.5
percent) over straightbred calves and
the advantage of crossbred cows
over straightbred cows (14.8 percent)
would yield a 23.3 percent increase
in pounds of calf weaned per cow
exposed for crossbred cows producing
crossbred calves over straightbred cows
producing straightbred calves. More
than one half of the advantage in a
crossbreeding program is derived from
the heterosis in the crossbred cow.
Summary
A well-designed crossbreeding system
can result in improved reproductive
performance and heavier calves from
both improved genetic potential
and increased age at weaning.
Crossbreeding is not a cure-all for poor
management, herd health and nutrition
and will not respond to the same degree
in all situations at all times. Response
is highly dependent on the quality of
bulls selected to use in the program
and how well a systematic plan is
followed. Crossbreeding is a tool that, if
properly used under good management
with thoughtful sire selection, can
significantly increase the efficiency of
production in commercial cow herds. I
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