Heterosis

[Beef11]

If heterosis is so great why is the Mainstream Dairy industry not capitalizing on it? I know of a few dairys that have recently started a program. If you were going to set one up what breed rotation would you use and what would you breed the resulting offspring to?

 

[Brandonm2]

Because they have one breed that is clearly superior to the other 60 breeds of cattle in the only trait that they really care about.

 

[Beef11]

True they have jerseys for quality and Holsteins for Total production and the rest fall in the middle for both. Seems that there would be reproductive benefits to crossbreeding. just thinking out loud.

 

[Brandonm2]

True, but you would pull Holstein calves out of most Jersey cows and I think most Stein guys are reluctant to do anything that might lower avg cow milk production. We do have one dairy here that has Jerseys, Holsteins, and a few cross bred cows; but you are right that it is rare to see Guernsey/Hostein, BrownSwiss/Jersey cross, etc. cows.

 

[DOC HARRIS]

Because they have one breed that is clearly superior to the other 60 breeds of cattle in the only trait that they really care about.

Right! Milk Production and they achieved almost the perfect producer in 1940 with "Carnation Ormsby Madcap Fayne" and almost, if not all, Holstein cows have that cow in their pedigree - -W-a-a-a-y back! Most of you aren't old enough to remember that far back! If enough of you want me to write the words to "Carnation Milk's" radio program's theme song - - twist my arm! :roll: :clap: :clap: :clap:

DOC HARRIS

 

[msscamp]

If enough of you want me to write the words to "Carnation Milk's" radio program's theme song - - twist my arm! :roll: :clap: :clap: :clap:

DOC HARRIS

I remember that, sort of. I can't recall the exact words, but something about things that would violate the profanity rule on these boards. Please pm the lyrics, I got a major kick out of them the first time, I have no doubt the second time will be no different! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[DOC HARRIS]

If enough of you want me to write the words to "Carnation Milk's" radio program's theme song - - twist my arm! :roll: :clap: :clap: :clap:

DOC HARRIS

I remember that, sort of. I can't recall the exact words, but something about things that would violate the profanity rule on these boards. Please pm the lyrics, I got a major kick out of them the first time, I have no doubt the second time will be no different! :lol: :lol: :lol:

- - -NO - NO - NO - No profanity! Goes something like this:

Won't You Wait - - 'till the cows come home?
Won't You Wait - - till the cows come home?
Hear Them in the Dell? - - - M-o-o-o-o-
Contented You Can Tell! - -M-o-o-o-o
Oh, Won't You Wait,Wait, Wait
By The Old Red Gate?
Won't You Wait 'Till The Cows Come Home?

(Announcer) " Ladies and Gentlemen - The Carnation Milk Hour - Presented by - Carnation Condensed Evaporated Milk - and brought to you by Contented Cows!"

You see - when you get old, you remember important stuff like that! :roll: :roll:

not original by-

DOC HARRIS

 

[dun]

From the few dairymen I talked to around here that have tried crossbreeding there are 2 concerns. Although the F1s typically work well their daughters suaully stink for both milk quantitty and components, and they're afraid of loosing the Holstein base do do the crossbreeding with. The jury seems to still be out on the scandnavian/swedish/norwegian red crosses.

dun

 

[Dap]

A lot of the grass based dairy's around here are crossbreeding now. They aren't the top producing herds around but they aren't the ones going out of business either. The jersey cross seems to be what they prefer, but some are using genetics from New Zealand holsteins. I guess they didn't select for so hard for just milk production down there. Off the topic a bit, but some of these guys are going to seasonal milking too. I wish Dad had thought of that years ago.

 

[msscamp]

If enough of you want me to write the words to "Carnation Milk's" radio program's theme song - - twist my arm! :roll: :clap: :clap: :clap:

DOC HARRIS

I remember that, sort of. I can't recall the exact words, but something about things that would violate the profanity rule on these boards. Please pm the lyrics, I got a major kick out of them the first time, I have no doubt the second time will be no different! :lol: :lol: :lol:

You see - when you get old, you remember important stuff like that! :roll: :roll:

not original by-

DOC HARRIS

:lol2: :lol2: That's ok, Doc, never know when it might come in handy! ;-) Those sure aren't the lyrics I was thinking of, though!