Crossbreeding Cattle Can Have Economic Benefits

Crossbreeding beef cattle has some economic benefits that producers should consider, according to University of Illinois beef Extension Educator Travis Meter,

“We've got better tools now as far as technology to identify those really good animals depending on breed, and I think it's just a time to reevaluate our herds. We've got some profitability in the beef cattle industry. What are some simple things that we can do management-wise, to really take advantage?”

Meter says that crossbreeding could actually be a less complicated heterosis system in a small pasture setting. It's difficult to implement different breeds, different bulls, and different sires. I think that's kind of a misnomer, though, that we don't have to have a complex system, and sometimes we have to focus maximizing heterosis might not be our best goal. We just need to incorporate it how it works for us.”

Additionally, Meter says there are several benefits to consider.

“We really selected for output traits, growth and performance and carcass. And a side effect of that is we've probably not focused or had as big of impact on cow fertility and cow longevity. So one of the easiest ways that we can really improve our herd there without going off and implementing a totally different system is just simply cross breeding.”