As alliances and incentive programs for producers grow in popularity, commercial cattlemen are faced with a difficult decision: which is the better choice - a maternal crossbreeding system or a terminal crossbreeding program?

Researchers at the University of Nevada - Ron Torell, Northeast Area Extension Livestock Specialist; Dr. Ben Bruce, State Extension Livestock Specialist; Ken Conley, Gund, Nev., ranch manager; Jon Wilker, Gund, Nev., ranch manager; and Vern France, owner/manager of Triangle Feedlot of Gooding, Idaho - found that converting a maternal group of range cattle to a terminal crossbreeding program did not increase ranch weaning weights or net profits - when limited summer grazing feed quality exists. Producing and retaining quality replacement heifers with the terminal crossbreeding program also proved costly and difficult.

On the other hand, the research shows that value was added to the terminal-cross calf through feedlot retained ownership. Terminal cross Limousin X Angus steers gained 0.23 lbs./day better and converted 0.54 pounds of feed/lb. to gain better. These steers required 59 fewer days on the grower ration, and they posted a 97 lb. heavier finish-on-the-hoof sale weight than their maternal straightbred Angus steer counterparts.

When it came to on-the-rail performance, the maternal straightbred Angus steers graded 5.3 percent better than the terminal steers. To the terminal steers' credit, however, was a 1.51 sq. inch larger ribeye, a 0.42 better yield grade, a 1.5 percent higher dressing percent and a 78-pound heavier carcass. Plus, 26.68 percent more terminal steer carcasses fell into the more desirable Yield Grade 1 and 2 categories.

On the heifer side, the terminal-cross heifers performed equal to the maternal steers in three areas: feed conversion, average daily gain and finish weight. Terminal heifers had 2.5 percent more Choice carcasses than the maternal steers, plus a 1.27 sq. inch larger ribeye, 0.06 better yield grade, a 2.29 percent better dressing percent and a 35-pound heavier carcass. And, 8.7 percent more carcasses fell into the more desirable Yield Grade 1 and 2 categories.

The terminal-cross Limousin X Angus heifers returned an average profit of $71.58 per head, and $108.99 more per head than the maternal steers. The terminal-cross steers resulted in a profit of $3.151 per head - $68.92 more per head than the $34.41 per head loss posted by the maternal-bred cattle.

"The advantage for the terminal cross cattle can be attributed to the better feedlot performance, heavier carcass weights, higher dressing percentage, higher percentage Yield Grade 1 and 2 carcasses and an adequate percentage of Choice carcasses," stated the researchers.

Herd Goal
Because all animals are targeted strictly for the feedlot in a terminal system, the researchers point out that producers can base herdsire selection entirely on terminal traits: average daily gain, feed conversion, muscling, external fat, marbling, tenderness, carcass weight, quality grade and yield grade. For commercial producers wanting to produce their own replacement heifers, the researchers emphasize that the herdsire cannot be strictly about feedlot and carcass performance.

"Selecting for maternal traits when purchasing herd sires can pay big dividends in the production of replacement heifers," the researchers state. "Unfortunately, terminal traits are often antagonistic to many of the maternal traits desired in a cow."

The researchers add that "identifying those bulls that sire calves that produce females that match ranch resources and simultaneously sire male calves that work in the feedlot and on the rail is a challenge." After all, "balancing maternal and terminal EPDs within all breeds usually compromises performance at the ranch, in the feedlot or on the rail."

As an alternative to balancing traits within one breed, the researchers suggest selecting breeds that excel in a particular area. "By selecting the bulls for the maternal cowherd and for terminal sires, one can more easily match a bull with your production goals and resources," they summarize. ©