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Crossbreeding and Management Systems for Beef Production^{1, 2,}

South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007

Abstract

A 6-year study (1969 to 1974) was conducted in western South Dakota to compare calf production of 90 Angus-Hereford crossbred cows under a drylot vs a pasture management system. In phase I (first 3 years), a backcrossing program utilizing Angus and Hereford sires was studied. In phase II (last 3 years), a three-breed terminal cross program utilizing Charolais sires was added to the breeding program. Preweaning, feedlot and carcass traits of calves from the three sire breeds were compared. Drylot cows were confined in a drylot year-round while pasture cows were maintained primarily on native pasture. One-half of drylot calves within sire groups received creep feed while remaining drylot calves and all pasture calves received no creep feed.

No significant differences were found between management systems for conception rate or percent calf crop weaned of cows exposed. Least-squares analysis (N = 387) showed no significant differences between management systems for calf birth weight, birth date or calving difficulty score. Actual and adjusted calf weaning weights of the drylot no-creep calves were less (P<.01) than the drylot creep and pasture calves, which were similar. Most feedlot and carcass traits were affected (P<.05) by the preweaning management system.

Breed of sire affected (P<.05) many preweaning, feedlot and carcass traits. Charolais sired three-breed cross calves were heavier at birth and at weaning, gained faster in the feedlot and had heavier final feedlot and carcass weights than either the Angus or Hereford sired backcross calves. Carcass quality grade and yield grade were similar among all sire breeds.

Results of this study indicated that calf production from a properly managed drylot system can be comparable to pasture management if the drylot calves are creep fed. However, costs of production and market prices will determine if drylot management is economically feasible for individual operations.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the South Dakota Agr. Exp. Sta. as Pub. No. 1520.

² The authors gratefully acknowledge W.L. Tucker, Exp. Sta. Statistician, for the statistical analyses.

³ Department of Animal Science.

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