Page 52 - Jensen Ranch Annual Bull Sale

HETEROSIS Economic and production benefits associated with

PAYS heterosis are documented by decades of industrywide
research in commercial crossbreeding systems.

DIRECT HETEROSIS

Increased performance of the crossbred calf relative to the average of
the straightbred parental breeds.
+ 1.9% Survival to weaning REPLACEMENT
+ 3.9% Weaning weight
+ 2.6% Post weaning gain
+ 3.8% Yearling weight
+ 2.2% Feed conversion

MATERNAL HETEROSIS

Increased performance of the crossbred cow relative to the average of
straightbred females of the parental breeds.
+ 3.7% Calving rate
+ 3.8% Weaning weight
+ 38.0% Longevity
+ 17.0% Number of calves
+ 25.3% Cumulative weaning weight

Primary crossbreeding advantages are improvement of lowly
heritable traits, such as those associated with reproduction, • $51 more per cow per year in net present value
which are difficult to impact through direct selection pressure. (2009 calculation)
Small, net-positive effects in multiple traits affecting commercial • 3.5% more average rate of return on assets
cow-calf profitability — pregnancy rate, calf livability, calf • 2 pounds less pasture forage per day while maintaining 301________ 302________ 303________ 304________ 305________
health, etc. — yield significant returns that are difficult to more body condition 1
measure. Crossbreeding value is most visible in the increased 306________ 307________ 308________ 309________ 310________
number of calves (lifetime), cow longevity and cumulative Black baldy cows require 1 acre less of moderate-quality forage 311________ 312________ 313________ 314________ 315________
weaning weight (lifetime). per year compared to straightbred black Angus peers, according 316________ 317________ 318________ 319________320________
Hereford Heterosis Pays More to Oklahoma State University research. 1 321________ 322________ 323________
Hereford genetics offer more crossbreeding power because
they are the least related to other Bos Taurus breeds, as Hereford-sired black baldy steer advantages:
documented by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center • Heavier weaning weights
(USMARC) 2000 Bull Project. Plus, Hereford’s unique, inherent • Increased feed efficiency
genetic advantages compared to other breeds offer added breed • Lower cost of gain lot 401
complementarity, especially when crossed with Angus. Hereford • Lower feedlot breakeven
advantages include: docility, fertility, feed efficiency in the • $28 per head less feed cost across finishing period
pasture and feedlot, longevity, and production efficiency. 5 BLACK WHITE FACE REPLACEMENT HEIFERS
Based on feed efficiency alone — breed differences documented consigned by Wyatt Durst, Morrowville, Kansas
Hereford-sired black baldy female advantages: by the USMARC — Hereford has a $51 per head advantage 785-541-0904
• 7% higher pregnancy rate over the finishing period, when compared to Angus. Hereford’s
2
• More calves weaned per cow exposed economic advantage increases as feed costs rise.
1 On average, Oklahoma State University researchers measured about 2 pounds per day less moderate-quality forage (Oklahoma pasture) intake in the black
baldy cows. On an annual basis the black baldy cows would be expected to consume about 725 pounds less forage.
2 Calculation based on breed differences for feed efficiency documented by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, using current feed costs (Oct. 2022).