calf vigor

[brihop]

Beginner's question: Would you get more HV in the calf from crossing an angus cow with a 1) continental, or 2) a different english/brahman composite such as braford or gert?

I think the answer is 2) because you're technically blending 3 breeds together... right? (Theres gotta be a chart somewhere for this)

 

[Workinonit Farm]

I would tend to go with the Continental. The 2nd choice may be getting you 3 breeds, but an English/Brahman still has the English (Angus are English). Now if you bred the Angus to a Continental/Brahman composite then my answer might be different.

Katherine

 

[brihop]

Thanks, but I know there is a definite answer based on scientific study... didn't mean for this post to be about votes or guesses, i'm looking for the sure answer.

 

[thendrix]

I don't know that there could be a definite answer to this question. I think you can get a generic, perfect world type answer, but I think if somebody could define the perfect match then you wouldn't have so many different crosses. And whoever had the answers would be fairly wealthy.

I think there are to many variables like grasses, hay, feed, climate, local market, etc.....

 

[B&M Farms]

In the south I would breed those angus cows to a brahman bull and then go back with a hereford or continental bull on the heifers to take away some ear. I want the heterosis in my cows. The bull gives traits to the calf but he doesn't wean pounds. The science depends on what you are wanting to end up with. More important than the cross is choosing cattle with the most accurate epds you can afford. The more the difference in genetic makeup the more the effects of heterosis. Some british x british crosses have more difference in genetic makeup than british x continental crosses. An angus x hereford cross will give more heterosis than an angus x charolais or limousin cross. A brangus or braford cow bred to a terminal bull will work as well as any in the south.

 

[Caustic Burno]

Beginner's question: Would you get more HV in the calf from crossing an angus cow with a 1) continental, or 2) a different english/brahman composite such as braford or gert?

I think the answer is 2) because you're technically blending 3 breeds together... right? (Theres gotta be a chart somewhere for this)

http://www.ionet.net/~brahman/brahmanF.html

http://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/8 ... eef-cattle