Germplasm Utilization In Beef Cattle

Authors

  • K. E. Gregory ARS, USDA, Roman L. Hruska, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
  • L. V. Cundiff ARS, USDA, Roman L. Hruska, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
  • R. M. Koch University of Nebraska, Roman L. Hruska, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, NE 68933

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro19896889

Keywords:

germplasm resources, breed, crossbreeding systems, heterosis, bioeconomic trait

Abstract

There are three basic approaches which may be used to synchronize cattle germplasm resources with other production resources and with market requirements. These are: (1) identify or select the breed that is the best fit or match to the production requirement, (2) use specific crossbreeding systems involving breeds that will complement each other most effectively to approach an optimum balance on characteristics or (3) form composite breeds based on the optimum contribution by each of several breeds to achieve the general adaptability and performance characteristics desired for the production situation. The two latter approaches use heterosis and are favored for commercial production. Composite breeds offer the greatest opportunity to use breed differences to achieve and maintain optimum performance levels for a wide range of production situations. Selection among breeds is considerably more effective than intra-breed selection for all bioeconomic traits (1,13).

Cover image of the 22nd Conference Proceedings: it is the golden hour of the evening and a herd of cattle stand in an orange-tinted field, gazing lazily at the photographer.

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Published

1989-11-14

Issue

1989

Section

Cow-Calf Session II