Study: Beefmaster crosses grade 94% choice

SAN ANGELO, Texas (January 2023)—

Isa Beefmasters recently reported on the culmination of two significant research projects. Each one is a testimony to the investment the company has placed in pushing the genetic envelope and making L Bar Beefmaster genetics ever more useful to the commercial cattle industry worldwide.

The first study involves a collaboration with Beefmaster Breeders United and the Nobel Research Institute in Ardmore, OK. They used two leading Beefmaster bulls (L Bar En Fuego, C988569, raised by Isa Beefmasters and owned by Gene Haymon; and CF Nueces, C1059662, raised by Collier Farms and owned by Jim Colvin). The sires were A.I. bred to their commercial Angus herd.

The Executive Summary: The steers gained 4.47 pounds per day, finished in 160 days (40 days faster than projected), had 0% death loss, yielded 62.6% and graded 94% choice (industry average 75%). Additionally, West Texas A&M University conducted Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) tests, and the steers averaged 3.86kg. (Anything under 4.6kg is considered tender.) This phenomenal performance shows what can be achieved utilizing performance Beefmaster genetics in a crossbreeding program.

Isa President Lorenzo Lasater said, “We have long maintained that there is more to profitability than just quality grade. These results show that true success lies in a combination of feedlot performance, health, grade & yield, and the critical but hidden trait of tenderness. These Beefmaster-sired steers absolutely rang the bell in every phase.”

The second progeny test took place in Panama between 2000 and 2022. The program included 13 breeds and measured 2843 calves. Ten Beefmaster sires were used on native Zebu or Brahman-cross cattle. The intent of the study, conducted at the Gualaca Livestock Experiment Station by IDIAP, was to examine improving reproductive efficiency and increased growth as a means of improving profitability for beef cattle producers in the tropics.

The Executive Summary: The study showed that for AFC (age at first calf) Beefmaster crosses were the best among the 13 breeds, while birthweights held steady, and growth was significantly increased. The scientists were very excited about the significance of the results as it pertains to beef production in the tropics, where 80% of the world’s cattle reside. Additionally, Isa Beefmasters sire L Bar En Fuego was the number one Beefmaster sire for both AFC and weaning weight.

Isa President Lorenzo Lasater commented, “The cattle industry often loses sight of the fact that profitability at the cow-calf level is predicated on low-input cattle that can handle their environment, reproduce efficiently, and wean heavy calves. No female is better at this than a Beefmaster.”

Lasater is proud of how well his Isa Beefmasters performed in both progeny tests. While the two studies encompass very different aspects of beef cattle production, they examine several key concepts in successful operations: reproductive efficiency, growth, adaptability, health, and carcass quality.