Developing Cattle Breeding Program Setting of goals is of major importance and includes goals for:

Breeding management will impact each of above in varying degrees Once goals established, herd assessment is needed – where is herd at?

Larger frame cows have higher maintenance costs.

Larger frame feedlot cattle: a. b.

Bringing about genetic change 1. Selection 2. Mating systems Inbreeding

Outbreeding Crossbreeding – two reasons 1. For certain traits may result in heterosis avg of avg of % heterosis = crossbreeds – purebreds x 100 avg of purebreds a.

2. Breed complementarity – implies using breeds in a crossbreeding program where their strengths and weaknesses complement one another a. 1.)

Composite breeds – have gained in popularity, reasons: Formed Retained % of Improved from maximum productivity heterosis of cow herd (%) 2 – breed – breed – breed 75 17

Successful breeding program depends on: 1. Accurate collection of data and interpretation 2. Maintaining proper contemporary groups a. b.