Lifetime Reproductive Performance of Brood Cows Representing First-Crosses Between Three Exotic and Three British Breeds

Abstract

Prior to 1900, the North American beef industry was dominated by the three British breeds, the Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn introduced to this continent by early settlers. Differences in their ability to adapt to the wide range in environmental conditions were reflected in differences in rates of expansion and geographical dispersion. Cattle of predominantly Hereford breeding proved most adaptable to extensive rangeland management and they had come to predominate on the semi-arid Western plains. Elsewhere the three breeds were of approximately equal importance with some preference for Shorthorn under circumstances where both milk and beef production were desired.