A C a s e F o r L u c k y
C r o s s H y b r i d s
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If
300 bushel an acre corn is possible, why is the cattle
industry struggling to improve feed and reproductive
efficiency, along with achieving an average of 70% Choice
and 70% Yield Grade 1 and 2 carcasses? (The 70/70 is a goal
set by many in the industry as being optimum.) One reason is
because the corn industry is convinced that hybrid corn is
more drought tolerant, makes more yield and costs less per
bushel to produce than does purebred corn. Corn is a
commodity, so is corn fed beef. Overhead is high whether you
raise 100 bushel corn or 300 bushel corn. The same is true
in the beef industry, however, most of it’s producers have
not been convinced to join the “hybrid is more efficient and
profitable” bandwagon yet. Convenience, calving problems,
discounts and increased maintenance requirements are some of
the reasons producers have been skeptical.
Heterosis is the most documented freebee in the cattle
industry, however, a large number of the producers in this
country are skeptical whether the risk is worth the reward
to modify their breed type. With the realization in the past
couple years that everything grown on or that comes out of
the ground is becoming more scarce and valuable by the day,
it is evident that we need to do what we can to best utilize
our resources. America’s competitive advantage in the world
marketplace is producing highly palatable corn-fed beef.
Therefore, producing this product will continue to be the
focus on the American beef industry.
University animal scientists maintain the British-
continental cross as being proven to be the ideal genetic
blend in the feedlot and the packing house. On the maternal
side, they have proven there is a 35% improvement in pounds
weaned per cow exposed through fertility and more longevity
in your bulls and females. If not enough progress is being
made in achieving industry goals for grade AND yield, many
producers are not taking advantage of the genetics that are
available.
Until the discovery and application of the Multiple Breed
Evaluation system developed by the American Simmental
Association and Cornell University, it was hard to document
the value of Hybrid genetics. Today, Hybrid genetics can be
evaluated as if they were purebred. These genetics may look
similar to purebreds, but under the hide they have been
proven to increase value in both the maternal and terminal
aspects of the industry. Furthermore, hybrid genetics can
benefit your program by contributing a significant amount of
maternal heterosis (pounds weaned per cow exposed,
longevity, etc.) in your cowherd, maintaining or improving
the quality grade of the carcasses, and reducing the
percentage of Yield Grade 4 carcasses.
With all this said, this is why we developed the Lucky
Cross™ line of Hybrids. We are convinced that by blending
the best available genetics and using ACROSS breed EPDs, a
better feeder calf can be produced, a more efficient cow can
be produced, and a better bull can be sold. The breed
barrier can make it hard to progress in improving value.
With all things coming out of and off the ground becoming
more valuable, it is paramount for us beef producers to make
the best use of the resources needed to produce quality
American beef. |
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