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 analyze the way heredity works and the pros and cons of manipulation of any breed. For instance, breeding within a gene pool (a breed) can maximize desirable characteristics. Ranchers are always looking for faster growth, faster weight gain, and lower feed requirements for fattening steers. However, line-breeding can cause problems like infertility, lowered resistance to disease and environmental stress, and calves that fail to thrive.
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 producers raise their herds in more or less natural conditions that can be harsh, like the open plains of the American west. For them, strong animals take precedence over those with a few good traits. They still find herd culling - removing unproductive cows - a valuable process. They look to genetic records to choose bulls who pass along fertility, viability, and longevity, as well as good growth and meat production.
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.
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.
Good herd management practices and making use of genetic records can be key to prosperity. Ranchers put a lot of money and effort into each animal, and they need every advantage to succeed.
Genetics analyze the way heredity works and the pros and cons of manipulation of any breed. For instance, breeding within a gene pool (a breed) can maximize desirable characteristics. Ranchers are always looking for faster growth, faster weight gain, and lower feed requirements for fattening steers. However, line-breeding can cause problems like infertility, lowered resistance to disease and environmental stress, and calves that fail to thrive.
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 producers raise their herds in more or less natural conditions that can be harsh, like the open plains of the American west. For them, strong animals take precedence over those with a few good traits. They still find herd culling - removing unproductive cows - a valuable process. They look to genetic records to choose bulls who pass along fertility, viability, and longevity, as well as good growth and meat production.
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.
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.
Good herd management practices and making use of genetic records can be key to prosperity. Ranchers put a lot of money and effort into each animal, and they need every advantage to succeed.
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