Project Number: LAB02920 CRIS Number: 0157185 ALTERNATIVE CROSSBREEDING FOR BEEF PRODUCTION IN NORTH LOUISIANA

  
Investigators: DeRouen, S. M., Turpin, J. M., Wyatt, W. E.

Termination Date: 12/31/2001
Reporting period: 01/01/1999 TO 12/31/1999

Progress Report:
Angus (A)-, Brangus (BA)-, Gelbvieh (G)-, Gelbray (GB)-sired, and first-cross Brahman Hereford (BH) females were evaluated for their potential in cow-calf production. Bulls of each sire breed were randomly mated to BH cows to produce female progeny from 1993 to 1996. Contemporary weaning-aged BH heifers were purchased when other heifers were weaned to compare subsequent productivity of this breed cross with female progeny from the four sire breeds. A total of 33 sires were used (5 to 8 sires per breed cross). Cows calved from early February to mid April. Cows were exposed to Simmental bulls during a 60-day spring breeding season. Calves were weaned in late September at an average age of 211 days. Body weight and body condition score for A-, BA-, G-, GB-sired, and BH cows (n=132) were: 611 kg & 5.98; 568 kg & 5.85; 583 kg & 5.71; 561 kg & 5.54; and 596 kg & 5.94, respectively, and did not differ among breed crosses for body weight (P=.38), but did vary for body condition score (P<.01). Calf Julian birth date for Simmental-sired calves (n=132) did not differ (P=.39) among breed crosses and were 62, 68, 67, 71, and 64 days for A-, BA-, G-, GB-sired, and BH females, respectively. Calf birth weight and 205-day weight did not differ (P>.52) among breed crosses and were: 42 & 254 kg; 43 & 254 kg; 44 & 260 kg; 43 & 248 kg; and 41 & 260 kg for A-, BA-, G-, GB-sired, and BH females, respectively. Only one cow required assistance at calving. Pregnancy rate determined by rectal palpation did not differ (P=.77) and were 97, 100, 97, 100, and 100% for A-, BA-, G-, GB-sired, and BH cows, respectively. Calf 205-day weight per cow exposed at breeding did not differ (P=.16) among dam breed crosses and were 250, 258, 257, 250, and 261 kg for A-, BA-, G-, GB-sired, and BH cows, respectively.

Publications: (6)
DeRouen, Sidney M. and J. Michael Turpin. 1999. Preweaning performance of Angus-, Gelbvieh-, Brangus-, and Gelbray-sired crossbred calves. Louisiana Agriculture 42(3):21-23.

Byford, R. L., M. E. Craig, S. M. DeRouen, M. D. Kimball, D. G. Morrison, W. E. Wyatt, and L. D. Foil. 1999. Influence of insecticide treatments on resistance in the Horn Fly (Dipteria: Muscidae). Inter. J. Parasitology 29:125-135.

DeRouen, S. M., T. D. Bidner, and W. E. Wyatt. 1999. Feedlot and carcass performance of
Angus-, Brangus-, Gelbvieh-, and Gelbray-sired steers. J. Animal Sci. 77 (Suppl. 1):136 (Abstr.).

Nickerson, S. C., W. E. Owens, S. M. DeRouen, R. L. Boddie, G. M. Tomita, J. M. Turpin, and S. P. Galphin. 1999. Insecticidal tail tags reduce mastitis in beef cows. LSU Agricultural Center Beef Research Report 30:19-22.

DeRouen, S. M. and J. M. Turpin. 1999. Evaluation of Angus-, Gelbvieh-, Brangus-, and Gelbray-sired crossbred calves for preweaning performance. LSU Agricultural Center Beef
Research Report 30:11-14.

Foil, L., M. W. Alison, Jr., S. DeRouen, M. Kimball, D. Sanson, and W. Wyatt. 1999. Studies on
horn fly control with insecticide ear tags and resistance management. The Louisiana Cattleman
32(4):27,35,36.

Impact:
Similar productivity was achieved for cow calf production among the five dam breed crosses
evaluated. Reproductive performance (pregnancy rate) among the breed crosses was exceptionally
high for this reporting year.