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Growth Traits in Straightbred and Reciprocally Crossed Angus, Hereford and Charolais Steers¹

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201

Abstract

A Total of 139 short-fed and 148 long-fed steers of the Angus, Charolais and Hereford breeds and all reciprocal crosses among them were used to estimate the amount of heterosis exhibited for growth traits.

No heterosis was observed for specific two-breed crosses or for all crossbreds and straightbreds for gains made on pasture when 162 steers in 2 years of the 4-year experiment were grazed for 5 to 6 months during the summer months prior to being placed in the feed lot. It is possible that gains on grass may not have been rapid enough for genetic differences among the groups to be made evident.

Four growth traits including average daily gain in the feed lot, slaughter weight, lifetime daily gains and lifetime carcass daily gains were studied. When average daily gains in the feed lot were compared between all two-breed crosses and all purebreds, the amount of heterosis for short-fed steers was 7.1 as compared to 2.8% for long-fed steers.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No. 6536. Approved by the Director.