Terminal Turnkey Solutions
The value of crossbreeding and hybrid vigor has been documented and discussed for years. The problem has been, the recommended crossbreeding systems are complicated and difficult to implement and manage. This led us to develop our “Terminal Turnkey Solutions” or opportunities to maximize heterosis and breed complementarity that are easier to implement, manage and maintain. We hope you agree and as always, we are happy to work with you and answer any questions you might have about how to implement a terminal crossbreeding system into your cowherd.
As you can see from the chart you get maximum heterosis and maximum pounds at weaning from a terminal crossbreeding system. But what about breed complementarity? An average Charolais bull should provide roughly 29 lbs of weaning weight over an average Angus bull. Therefore, if we add the 24 lbs of heterosis to the 29 lbs from breed complementarity, we get roughly 53 lbs of additional weaning weight on average. If that 53 lbs is worth $1.50 then that’s an additional $79.50 per head. If a bull sires 30 calves that’s an additional $2385 per calf crop and because he’s a terminal bull you could use him for 5 or more calf crops to generate $11,925 in additional revenue. That’s HUGE!!!
• Use Charolais bulls and purchase all replacement females. This is the simplest terminal solution. You can purchase replacement females that fit your needs and maximize heterosis without maintaining a maternal herd. • Use maternal bulls on your 1, 2, and 3 year old cows to generate replacement heifers and use Charolais bulls terminally on the older cows. Your youngest cows, should be your best genetically. This allows you to keep replacements out of your best genetics and focus on those maternal characteristics that compliment a terminal program. • Use maternal bulls for the first 30 days, then turn in Charolais bulls. We would recommend breeding your cows A.I. one round then turning in Charolais bulls to clean up. Either way, A.I. or natural service, you are indirectly selecting for fertility in your replacements. We like this option because A.I. allows you to utilize some of the best genetics available to generate your replacements and with sexed semen you could generate all heifer calves.
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