Page 10 - Otapawa Bull Sale 2021 ebook

CROSS-BREEDING

A common-sense approach to breeding to suit the stock. We are a commercial
efficient and profitable beef cattle are the farming operation ourselves, so we see the
founding principles at Otapawa Poll Herefords. advantages first-hand that reflect our breeding
“Progressive proven genetics producing selections from our Stud Hereford herd into the
progressive sound progeny. Herefords are commercial herd. Longevity, maternal ability,
the leading efficient breed of beef cattle”, and carcase quality are important profit drivers,
says Stuart Robbie, Stud Principle, and using and with heterosis, you get more bang for your
Herefords in crossbreeding is one of the fastest buck.”
proven way to improve farm gate profits.”
Showing that as direct dollar profit in the
The basic knowledge about hybrid vigour or simple table below, highlights the direct return
“heterosis” as it is more correctly known as has of Heterosis using a 300cwkg steer as an
been around for over 50 years but seems to example.
have been overlooked in recent years as some
breed groups are tending towards a genomics “One of the other most significant advantages to
crossbreeding is the utilization of the crossbred
bred animal and offering selective premium
incentives. female. The crossbred cow is without doubt the
best cow around for performance.”
On average, commercial Angus herds
can expect to achieve a 15% increase in With the superior fertility of a cross bred female,
weaning weights from Heterosis with an not only does she reach puberty earlier, making
ongoing consistent advantage for Hereford her ideal for yearling heifer mating, she also
sired progeny in average daily weight gains, has a higher pregnancy rate throughout her
feed conversion, longevity, and fertility, while life meaning significantly less replacements are
still conforming to the selection criteria of required and an improved efficiency of the herd.
premiums offered. “This is without a doubt the best line of
“It is pleasing to see our Clients continually Poll Hereford Bulls both genetically and
topping the weaner fairs with Hereford and phenotypically ever offered at Otapawa Station,
Hereford Angus cross progeny. That is a we encourage all cattlemen serious about
benchmark for our breeding programme. The increasing their herds profitability to come
adage that muscle weighs more than fat is and look and discuss your programme and
true. Carcass quality is especially important. It breeding objectives with us.”
is proven that the Hereford is the most efficient This year Otapawa have 40 high performance
converter of grass. We are always refining and station bred Hereford bulls on offer and
testing that in our breeding programme.” welcome you to view the bulls and breeding
Otapawa make selecting for cross breeding programme. Every day is an Open Day, with
easy. “Identifying and selecting the genetics the On-Farm Sale 8th June, in Tiraumea.
which thrive in the environment you are farming Auction starts 12 noon.
in makes way more sense to me than trying to Contact your local Agent or Stuart or Douglas
manipulate the system and/or the environment Robbie direct for more information.

CWT Heterosis CWT Value AngusPure Total
Steer
(kgs) 15% Gain $5.25/kg 15c/kg $ Value
Angus 300 0 $1560 $45 $1605
Angus X Hereford 300 +45kgs $1811.25 $51.75 $1863