Beef breed evaluation - breed utilization strategies
D.L. Johnson, C.A. Morris
Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1979, 39: 223
Preliminary analyses were made of alternative beef breed
utilization strategies using some exotic beef breeds as well as local
beef and dairy breeds. The basic data were derived from the Beef Breed
Evaluation trial currently being conducted by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries. The results indicate that, in a self-
maintaining terminal-crossing programme, the use of AB and some sound
sire selection for average calving ease and high growth rate could be
advantageous for carcass weight production, particularly for the
Friesian, Maine Anjou and Blond d'Aquitaine sire breeds. The use of
crossbred dams or breed synthesis using particularly the dairy bred
crossbred females, and possible Simmental crossbred females under good
feed conditions, leads to significant increases in beef production.
Dairy cows not used in breeding replacements could provide the basis of
a 3-way cross. It is concluded that material improvement in beef
production could be achieved by use of local beef and dairy breeds.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 12-09-1998
