Livestock Management RANCHING
The Hereford Advantage: It Adds Up H
EREFORDS ARE PRACTICAL, PROFITABLE AND RELIABLE cattle. Known as the efficiency experts, Herefords have been an industry icon for more
than 100 years. Herefords reduce input costs. Along with excellent
feed conversion, they offer hardiness, fertility, longev- ity and a gentle disposition. Herefords boost crossbreeding programs. Whiteface-
crosses pack extra hybrid kick. Three large-scale, real-world research projects at Lacey Livestock/Harris Ranch, Circle A Ranch and Simplot Livestock Co., have documented the Hereford-sired advantage.
PROFITABULL: The true profi t driver It is diffi cult to improve those things you cannot
measure; therefore, the American Hereford Association (AHA) implemented a Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Program in 2001 to measure produc- tion traits and other economically important traits such as fertility, longevity and reproductive effi ciency. Hereford producers also submit ultrasound data,
62 The Cattleman August 2015
body condition scores, cow weights and disposition scores, which all add to the integrity and accuracy of the AHA database. Because of the commitment of Hereford breeders,
the AHA has now developed the largest database for cow fertility and productivity in the world. This database has positioned the breed as a champion of cow productivity and has led to the development of new expected progeny differences (EPDs) such as ud- der suspension, teat size, sustained cow fertility and heifer calving rate. In recent years, Hereford breeders have also made
a commitment to collecting and submitting DNA samples. In 2012, genomic-enhanced EPDs were re- leased, which add even more predictive power to Hereford genetics. Calves sired by Hereford bulls have a documented
$30 per head advantage in feedlot profi tability and a 7 percent advantage in fertility when compared to An- gus-sired calves. These advantages were documented during a 3-year commercial heterosis project at Lacey
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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