Evaluation of the Brahman, Beefmaster, Brangus and Santa Gertrudis breeds for reproductive efficiency, maternal characteristics, preweaning and postweaning growth traits, and carcass characteristics

Abstract

Through the crossbreeding advantages of Brahman with Bos taurus type cattle, the American breeds have risen to the forefront as predominant beef breeds in Texas. A survey was designed to evaluate breeder perception, identify management strategies, and define emphasis areas of each breed association consolidated in the American Breeds Coalition. Approximately 2,000 questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected Brahman, Beefmaster, Brangus, and Santa Gertrudis breeders throughout the United States. Field data were obtained from steers consigned to the 1991 and 1992 Texas A&M Ranch to Rail Program to ascertain the postweaning growth traits and carcass attributes of steers representing the surveyed breed groups as compared to their Bos taurus (British and Continental European) contemporaries. Steers consigned in 1991 were fed at Randall County Feedyard (n=467) in Amarillo, Texas, while the 1992 steers were fed either at Randall County Feedyard (n=663) or King Ranch Feedyard (n=517) in Kingsville, Texas. The evaluated breeders were attuned to the strengths and weaknesses of their breeds and repeatedly indicated that the maternal and adaptability characteristics of their cattle, coupled with their crossbreeding abilities, were the basic strengths of their breed and requested for their associations to promote the maternal ability of their breed to the commercial industry. The breeders were not only focusing on traits at the cow/calf phase but contend that the carcass characteristics of their cattle were negative attributes and require modification to maintain breed competitiveness within the next 10 yr. Evaluation of the field data demonstrated no discrepancy in carcass value due to breed characteristics. The Braham-influenced steers had acceptable carcass weights and desirable yield grades coupled with adequate quality grades. The net return from Bos indicus calves were compatible to the Bos taurus type calves, even though, the evaluated feedlot performance traites displayed a vast amount of variation from the Bos indicus calves. Calves with at least 50% of Brahman-or Santa Gertrudis-inheritance had the lowest feeder values. Yet, of the Bos indicus calves, the Santa Gertrudis had the fastest rate of gain while the > 50% Brahman calves were the slowest gaining, least efficient, had the lightest slaughter weights, and were the most variable.