Implementing Crossbreeding Systems

by Ryan Boldt, Director of Breed Improvement

When considering diff erent management systems for commercial cattlemen, one of the most pro table management decisions is to implement a crossbreeding system.

A crossbreeding system is simply a mating system that looks to maximize hybrid vigor and breed complementarity. When considering implementing a crossbreeding system there are seven factors that need to be evaluated for implementing that system.

These factors include the merit of the component breeds, hybrid vigor, breed complementarity, consistency in performance, replacement considerations, simplicity and accuracy of genetic predictions. Each of these factors have diff erent eff ects in terms of the eff ectiveness of implementing each system and will be discussed in further detail in this article.

Component Breeds

The  rst factor when looking at implementing a crossbreeding system is the merit of the component breeds. This is often the  rst consideration when designing a crossbreeding program. This looks to identify breeds of animals where the mean breeding value of the animal will positively contribute to the objective of the crossbreeding system.

Think for example, if your goal were to create a horse to win the Kentucky Derby through creating a crossbred horse. When considering breeds, the Shetland Pony would not make the list of breeds that would be considered.

Hybrid Vigor

The next factor in the evaluation is the level of hybrid vigor that would be achieved. Generally, the more hybrid vigor that can be achieved the better. In all crossbreeding systems, the maximum hybrid vigor is experienced in the F1 mating of unrelated populations. From this point forward, the lower level of backcrossing to any breed previously used in the makeup of the parent animals will lead to a higher level of hybrid vigor in the resulting progeny.

Elimination of backcrossing is not always easy or feasible. The system must be designed to maintain adequate levels of hybrid vigor but make it implementable.

Breed Complementarity

Breed complementarity is another important factor for crossbreeding systems and there are many diff erent examples of this occurring in beef cattle breeding. A popular example would be using a terminal sire within a crossbreeding system to increase the terminal merit of off spring.

In addition, there are examples where using diff erent biological types of cattle are introduced to provide advantages of environment adaptability. Introduction of Bos Indicus animals into a cross is commonly done in environments where heat stress is a factor.

Another way that breed complementarity can be achieved is through the use of hybrid seedstock. In this example, the breed complementarity part of the equation is achieved at the seedstock level. The diff erent breeds are crossed to provide the desirable characteristics of each of the component breeds. These animals then can be used as parent animals in the system.

Consistency of Performance

After implementation of a crossbreeding system, consistency of performance in progeny becomes very important. It is common knowledge that groups of calves that are more similar are easier to market than those that are more diverse. This is also important on the cowherd side

A crossbreeding system maximizes hybrid vigor and breed complemtarity.

as well, because managing females that are more similar is often easier than managing a diverse group. Diff erent crossbreeding systems and breeds used within a crossbreeding system will lead to diff erent levels of consistency in performance.

Replacement Considerations

A deterring factor for utilizing some crossbreeding systems is the method for generating replacement females. For example, when using a terminal sire mating system all of the progeny would be marketed instead of returning to the herd. This leads to the problem of replacement generation.

There are several options to overcome this factor, either by having a subpopulation of animals that are designed to generate replacements, or by purchasing replacement females externally. Each of these diff erent approaches has advantages and disadvantages but could be considered as alternative methods for generating replacement females.

Simplicity

Often the most limiting factor for producers to implement a crossbreeding system is the simplicity of the system. As more breeds and crosses are implemented in a crossbreeding system the management and required record keeping of animals within the herd also increases.

There are also interactions with diff erent management practices that prevent complex crossbreeding systems from being implemented. For example, if several breeds are used in a crossbreeding system this often requires multiple breeding pastures which may inhibit the ability for proper grazing management.

Accuracy of Genetic Predictions

The  nal factor to consider is the accuracy of genetic predictions. Previously many breed associations conducted genetic evaluations as single breed analyses. These evaluations were very good at predicting genetic merit of purebred animals but often lacked data on other breeds. This limited the ability to predict genetic merit on hybrid seedstock sires.

However, International Genetic Solutions was formed to help address this problem. Currently there are 19 partner organizations that submit data into a single genetic evaluation, which allows for a consolidation of data to improve predictions of hybrid animals. Additionally, IGS allows for EPDs to be compared across diff erent breeds to make the comparison of animals from diff erent breeds easier.

There are seven main factors that need to be considered before implementing a crossbreeding system for commercial producers. While this may seem like a daunting task the bene ts of crossbreeding have been well documented over time.

by Andrea Rutledge, JRA President

If there is one thing that we can take away from this last year, it is that there is value in numbers.

The 2020-2021 Junior Red Angus Board of Directors, our juniors and our supporters were faced with many challenges during the past year. One of the greatest impacts occurred when our in-person events had to happen virtually. Not to take anything away from virtual events, we all made the best of our situations, but there is just something so incredible and irreplaceable about getting to sit around a table with individuals that are passionate about the same breed and industry as you.

After serving on the JRA Board for the last two years, I have seen  rsthand the power that community and connections can have. Starting with the individuals that I had the pleasure of serving with: Shaye Koester, Peyton Nagel, Izzy McGibbon, Mia Gibson, Tiff any Watkins and Isaac Berg. They all exhibit a passion for the breed, so much so that they took the next step in helping serve others and promote the industry.

The Red Angus Association of America has great staff that serve our youth and help to promote all things Red Angus. I have been able to work closely with them and see their desire to help create young leaders for the bene t of the future of RAAA and JRA.

I am continually amazed at the hard work and dedication that these boards, staff members and Red Angus supporters have aff orded our junior membership.

Being able to be back face-to-face has allowed me to see the value in the number of leaders JRA is producing. From the 4-year-old showing her  rst calf, to watching youngsters give their  rst talk in competition, to youth joining their parents at their  rst bull sale – these juniors are the strong future of our breed and industry.

Looking back, I fondly remember my 8-year-old self, with my  rst red steer that brought me into the JRA organization and established connections in my own state, and the many memories that came from that experience, all the way to serving on the JRA board.

From words of encouragement, scholarships for industry training, Round-Up and higher education, to the leaders that encouraged me to run for state and national offi ces, I have been able to grow as a leader and person; setting forth my path to continue working in the cattle industry and promoting Red Angus.

In the month of June, we were able to attend the NAJRAE event in Lebanon, Tennessee. At this event, we once again had the opportunity to see that there is value in numbers. It was so exciting to be together with so many juniors and see how our breed is growing and reaching across the country. After seeing so many tenacious and ambitious juniors, I know our future is looking bright.

As you continue your time in the JRA, remember there is value in numbers. Whether that means attending a JRA event, inviting a friend to join you in Red Angus, or sparking a conversation with others, know that you have a great community to support and encourage you.

Because there is great value in numbers, as our numbers continue to grow in the JRA, so will our community and connections within, while our leaders off er opportunities to grow and learn, I encourage you to take advantage of them.

I am so excited to see the strength our numbers will bring to the JRA and ultimately the RAAA. As we continue to grow as a breed and as an association, remember the value that comes from the numbers of community and connections that we make day to day.

Involvement in JRA builds community and connections at all ages.

Connect

with JRA!

Andrea Rutledge, Montana – President – jraandrea1@gmail.com Izzy McGibbon, Arizona – Vice President – jraizzy1@gmail.com Tiffany Watkins, Florida – Secretary – jratiffany@gmail.com Mia Gibson, Iowa – Director – jramiagibson@gmail.com Peyton Nagel, Illinois – Director – jrapeyton@gmail.com Isaac Berg, Minnesota – Director – jraisaac1@gmail.com Dr. Kim Heller, Director of Junior Programs, juniors@redangus.org Website: redangus.org/jra Facebook: juniorredangus Instagram: juniorredangus Snapchat: juniorredangus