Let's talk efficiency

摘要

There's a lot of talk these days about efficiency. Much of it focuses on feed efficiency in a feedlot setting, but it is just as important at the ranch level, where the issue isn't so much feed for gain as feed for maintenance. For most of my life, I've enjoyed and worked on cattle genetics. However, after about 20 years, I began to recognize that genetics, while effective, is a slow process, and there are more economically important issues for the typical rancher to consider. In cattle breeding, there is only one quick, big effect and that is hybrid vigor. Of course, the levels of heterosis attained will vary depending on the extent of backcrossing and the genetic differences in the breeds being used, but most commercial ranches would be more efficient using the benefits of heterosis. Only sunshine and rain come with a lower price tag.