Age Advantaged - Fe s cue Adapted
65 NEW DAY M3 Red || Homo Polled
3/4 SM 5/32 AR 3/32 AN
7/31/2024
Owner: SLAY
ASA# 4409080
BW 81
Age of Dam 2
Disposition 1
Frame 5.8
CDI SECRET AGENT 407C
G+ POWERED BY TOP GENOMICS • ACCREDITED GENOMIC PLUS •
REDHILL BURLEY 99J
REDHILL W107 153X 257B GW COPPERHEAD 919G
ATM POWERED BY TOP GENOMICS • ACCREDITED TERMINAL MATE •
SLAY COPPERHEAD K58
SLAY RED MAG H46
CE
BW 1.6
WW
YW
MCE 5.0
MILK 24.6
MWW STAY
10.2
103.9
162.5
76.5
16.8
65% 80% 2%
3% 85% 45% 10% 35%
DOC
CW
YG
MARB 0.45
BF
REA
API
TI
14.9 98.3 25% 25% 10% 45% 3% 10% 35% 10% 50.0 -0.38 -0.085 1.04 147.9
REDHILL BURLEY 99J || Sire of Lot 65.
GAIN AN EXTRA SHOT OF HETEROSIS WITH A NEW DAY BULL Years of research and industry proofs stand unchallenged. Crossbred calves simply weigh more and crossbred commercial cows are absolutely more productive and profitable than straightbred commercial cows. End of story! In fact, the economic advantages are so large, one could argue that anyone discouraging commercial herds from using planned crossbreeding is just not interested in their profits or sustainability.
Historically, the promotion of crossbreeding has focused on the simple direct effects of individual heterosis. This is because those improvements are immediate, easy to see and impressive, often resulting in increased weaning weights of 4 to 5%. That translates in a 15 to 35 more pounds of calf weaned next year compared to this year, just with your first cross on straightbred cows. Far greater economic impacts of crossbreeding however are realized in the added profit produced by crossbred commercial cowherds designed with a plan for profit. “Plan” is the key. Just like in all facets of the commercial cow calf business, poor decisions in crossbreeding programs for breed, source or individuals are not acceptable, especially today with better information available and more value at stake. So, how much more valuable is a crossbred commercial female vs. one that is not? Research repeatedly shows a lifetime production increase for crossbred females of between 20 to 25% because of greater fertility, longevity and improved maternal environment. Hundreds of publications have demonstrated this advantage dating back to the 70’s and there is literally no research that dispute these results. Simply put, if an average straight-bred female produces six, 500 pound calves in her life, the result is about 3000 lbs. of gross production. In comparison, based on years of data and research, her crossbred counterpart will deliver between 3600 and 3750 pounds of calf weaned because on the average she produces an extra calf in her lifetime and each calf is heavier. Depending on price, that added performance generates somewhere at or above $1000 more total dollars of value or more than $100 per year of added income. The benefit of needing to retain 10-15% less replacement heifers each year and calve substantially fewer 2-year-olds each season is a huge bonus as well. I realize that the previous example is based on maximum heterosis which is achievable through advanced management or systems approaches, but can be challenging to maintain for some operations. For greatest simplicity and practicality, consider composited seedstock with the breeds and percentages that fit your production and marketing situation. They come with retained heterosis and profit enhancement bred in. Even at 50-75% of the maximum possible heterosis, the increased profit composites provide is difficult to match by any other enterprise change and the long-term improved uniformity of both calf crop and cow herd makes everything you do easier.
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