How does the Hereford fit into crossbreeding programmes?
HEREFORD BULLS CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE PROFITABILITY OF ANY COW-CALFOPERATION. The U.S. Meat Animal Research Centre implemented a study to evaluate beef breeds of diverse types for the full spectrum of traits relating to total beef production. This data shows the following advantages for Hereford bulls: • Shorter lenth of gestation (related to lighter birth weights) The gestation time for Hereford sired calves was 3-5 days shorter than calves by sires of other breeds. • Lighter birth weights Birth weights are directly correlated to calving difficulty. Hereford calves were 3-5 kg lighter than those of other popular beef breeds. • Less calving difficulty The Hereford sired calves were favoured by a calving difficulty of 17% less than other breeds. • Higher calf crop percentage weaned In the Meat Animal Research Centre study a 97.3% calf crop weaned gave Hereford sired calves a total production advantage ranging from 5.6% to 10.8% over weaned calf crops sired by other po
