January 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 35 tives. Regardless, having a breeding objective (and sticking to it) will help ensure that breed selection, breeding system design and, ultimately, bull selection decisions will improve profitability. BREEDING SYSTEMS Crossbreeding, which is an essential tool for commercial cattle producers, requires a plan. There are a multitude of breeding systems to choose from, ranging from simple terminal systems to more complex, multi-breed rotational systems. The choice of a breeding system essentially boils down to the need to produce replacements, the ability to utilize multiple breeding pastures and a long-term plan to ensure the system is maintainable. A thorough review of different crossbreeding systems is available in the Beef Sire Selection Manual (scan the QR code). Advances in reproductive technology, including the use of sexed-semen, offers a potential new way to implement advanced breeding systems without the need for natural service sires of multiple breed types. Although using artificial insemination (AI) may seem daunting for many commercial cattle producers, a careful economic analysis is required before passing judgment on the feasibility of an AI program. The ability to reduce genetic lag by having direct access to “elite” genetics is one benefit. With the use of sexed semen, the ability to reduce the frequency of the non-desired sex (i.e., females for a terminal herd) is another benefit. CHOOSING BREEDS Breed choice is often steeped in tradition and sometimes a result of having succumbed to popular trends. It’s important to match breeds to the breeding objective. All breeds have strengths and areas of weakness, and there is not a single breed that excels in all areas that lead to improved profitability. To compare breeds based on how contemporary genetics perform, use the most current U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) Breed of Sire Means table (available at www.beefimprovement.org). This resource compares the performance of offspring from registered sires of several breeds when used on crossbred cows. Given this compares the impact of the breed of sire, it would be interpreted as half of the breed difference. Despite being (arguably) underappreciated and (inarguably) underfunded, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) updates these tables annually. SELECTING BULLS Only after the steps mentioned above are considered is it time to select bulls. Bulls (either semen or natural service sires) must improve profitability of the enterprise. In other words, if the bull that best matches the breeding objective costs $2,000 more than the bull that is second on the list, he must return at least $2,000 more through his offspring. If he cannot, he actually takes the enterprise backwards relative to improving profitability. This is not a “green light” to go out and buy the cheapest bulls possible, but it is a cautionary note to think about buying bulls as an investment in genetics and to consider the return on the investment. Like other business decisions, it’s important to do business with an entity/person you trust and who provides superior customer service. Buying bulls/semen should be no different. Going to bull sales, to some people, is fun. However, you should feel comfortable enough with your seedstock vendor to simply give them an order. A good seedstock supplier should ask you questions about your operation and needs/goals before ever recommending bulls to you and they should treat your money like it was theirs. Accidents with bulls do happen – breeding injury, seemingly calm bulls have a bad experience and bulls who passed a BSE later fail or do not seem to have an interest in breeding. Make sure you understand the breeding season guarantee and contact your supplier as soon as any issue arises. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
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