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Beef Cattle Teaching Farm - FINCA MONTAÑA Commercial Herd: Charolais x Senepol |
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In the commercial herd an average of 200 crossbred cows and heifers are bred to either Charolais (CH) or Senepol bulls in a two-breed rotational cross. The objective is to produce two groups of animals that on average will be 66% S x 34% CH or 66% CH x 34% S. Crossbreeding is an excellent tool to take advantage of heterosis (hybrid vigor) to improve, in particular, the reproductive traits that are lowly heredable and overall, to increase the efficiency of beef production through breed complementarity. The Charolais breed was selected given that it complements very well the Senepol, that is considered a maternal breed. The Charolais is a muscular paternal breed with excellent growth ability, carcass yield and muscle to bone ratios, white coat, and skin with no pigmentation. In Latin-America it is recognized because of the excellent performance and success of the Charbray in tropical environments. Charolais sires used in the commercial herd are selected very carefully looking for animals that are polled, with short hair, that show a high EPD value for calving ease, and that are of medium frame size. The crossbred progeny is evaluated for reproductive hability, growth rate, and beef yield and quality. |
