VanC
Well-known member
Another thread got me to thinking about something I've wondered about before, but never got around to asking about.
Most agree that a uniform F1 cowherd, using two compatible breeds, is the way to go for the commercial producer. Most research shows that crossbred cows are better in many ways than purebred cows.
Now the question. Why wouldn't this be true of F1 bulls? Why wouldn't the same advantages of crossbred cows apply to crossbred bulls? Fertility, longevity, weaning weights, etc.
I'm asking because I've seen many on these boards say that you get more uniform calves from a purebred bull, which I can understand. But if crossbred bulls are so unpredictable, why isn't the same said about crossbred cows?
Most agree that a uniform F1 cowherd, using two compatible breeds, is the way to go for the commercial producer. Most research shows that crossbred cows are better in many ways than purebred cows.
Now the question. Why wouldn't this be true of F1 bulls? Why wouldn't the same advantages of crossbred cows apply to crossbred bulls? Fertility, longevity, weaning weights, etc.
I'm asking because I've seen many on these boards say that you get more uniform calves from a purebred bull, which I can understand. But if crossbred bulls are so unpredictable, why isn't the same said about crossbred cows?