inyati13":2z2n90ny said:
DOC HARRIS":2z2n90ny said:
You are right! It IS Gelp-fee. Maybe I was trying to avoid the "F" word there! You are also right in stating that the breed is having a positive impact in the beef business, not only in the purebred aspect of the breed, but because of the terrific progeny that cross breeding produces by using Gelbvieh in mating protocols.
DOC HARRIS
DOC, what is a preferred cross using Gelbvieh. I have Simangus. Our UK extension service agent speaks highly of Gelbvieh. I have one PB Simmental. How could I fit them into my operation?
inyati13-
To avoid a long, and perhaps complicated explanation for some members to attempt to 'muddle' through, I will make a few rather succinct comments - all of which are My Opinions.
As with ALL mating plans,
balancing the desirable traits and characteristics of the
individual cattle involved in the matings is as important, or more so, than the specific
breeds concerned. "Like Begets Like" is as true a statement today as it has been for many years. The resulting heterosis achieved by crossbreeding maximizes the necessity of BALANCING multiple trait selection factors!
The important factor to consider in deciding upon which breed to mate to which breed is - "what is popular or sells best in your particular marketing area"? The environmental conditions in the deep South suggest that Brahman-influenced breeds have greater success being used in crossbreeding 'protocols' (this means certain rules and procedures to be followed) than using straight British or European breeds in the mating crosses. In using any mating plans, it must be borne in mind that there are
two types of beef cattle:
MATERNAL (cow/calf and retaining breeding stock) and
TERMINAL (specifically intended for feedlots and meat market sales). Of course, there are always "cross over" operations with both production methods. Cross mating of two component breeds creates a composite animal, designed to retain heterosis (hybrid vigor) in future generations
without crossbreeding and maintained like a pure breed. The
management of this composite breed is a totally different subject and is material for another day, and another thread.
To answer your question, inyati, I don't think that one could say that there is "
A" specific choice breed for your operation. I would recommend Gelbvieh first, then Angus, Red Angus, Red Poll, or Hereford as a cross. Or, frankly, several other beef breeds - to capitalize on THEIR particular breed traits. My particular choice(s) would be either Gelbvieh or Red Angus, which would give your particular mating a strong Terminal influence! Should make fine cattle if focusing on either Growth or Carcass EPD's - your choice. With your Simangus herd, any of the mentioned breeds above (with the exception of Angus) would create a three-way cross, which COULD develop some great beef cattle - keeping in mind the
balancing management protocols previously mentioned. But I would use Gelbvieh as a breed, without a hesitation!
DOC HARRIS