Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle IV: Breeding Systems

Abstract

A logical genetic strategy for a beef cow herd should include four steps. First, determine your production conditions (including climatic, forage and marketing) and the levels of animal performance that fit those conditions. Second, choose a breeding system. Third, identify the biological types and breeds within those types that are compatible with the first two considerations. And fourth, select for breeding the most useful individuals within those breeds.