chaded
Well-known member
I was reading an article on this topic and it got me thinking about what I am currently doing and whether I should change course a little. I know that (at least for me) Heterosis can be a little difficult to quantify, but for the sake of discussion let's assume everything is of equal genetic quality.
I have a small herd of 14 now, will be adding a few as well. I have access to good quality purebred black angus and Herefords. My herd is mostly black angus and they are bred to a hereford bull.
My plan has been, use black angus cows and hereford bull and sell all the calves. I would buy replacement black angus cows. The article had mentioned maternal Heterosis which I've thought about before but with my situation replacements is a bit of an issue doing that.
I guess what I am wondering is, with a small herd is my current system the best I can do or should I keep my own replacements and switch sire breeds back and forth? Or something else? I realize I can't fully capitalize on maximum Heterosis but would like to get the most out of it. My calves currently go to the sale barn.
I have a small herd of 14 now, will be adding a few as well. I have access to good quality purebred black angus and Herefords. My herd is mostly black angus and they are bred to a hereford bull.
My plan has been, use black angus cows and hereford bull and sell all the calves. I would buy replacement black angus cows. The article had mentioned maternal Heterosis which I've thought about before but with my situation replacements is a bit of an issue doing that.
I guess what I am wondering is, with a small herd is my current system the best I can do or should I keep my own replacements and switch sire breeds back and forth? Or something else? I realize I can't fully capitalize on maximum Heterosis but would like to get the most out of it. My calves currently go to the sale barn.