My experience over the years with Gerts is that the real payoff comes with the 2nd and/or 3rd cross. I've bred a lot of Gert cows to Hereford bulls resulting in weaned calves with just average market value. The advanage comes from retaining the best heifer calves and then crossing them to a third unrelated breed. I personally like Black Angus. In addition to the heterosis factor, the calves retain the the heat/disease resistance, growth, and maternal traits of the Gert, the docility and muscling of the Hereford, and aquire more muscling, finishing ability, and of course the black color of the Angus. A win-win-win that have been market toppers. I've also bred Gert X Hereford cows to Gelbvieh bulls with the resulting females making tremendous cows, which were then bred to Angus Bulls producing excellent calves that consistantly topped markets. Just remember this can't be done quickly. It takes years to get a quality herd. Then sustaining it is an entirely different subject.
