ABSTRACT
Genetics is the science concerned with heredity or how traits are passed on from parent to offspring. The application of the science of genetics to animal improvement is the role of the modern animal breeder. Utilization of heterosis is the most important commercial application in beef cattle breeding; it provides a potential 20% to 40% increase in productivity over that of purebreeding systems. Crossbreeding results in hybrid vigor or heterosis that, in a beef cow, shows up as improved reproduction, longevity, and resistance to disease. Crossbreeding has been shown to be the most productive system for commercial beef production, and the use of crossbred cows gives the biggest boost to the program. It seems to author that a breed should play to its strengths, if it is to retain its place in the beef industry—and a place in the beef industry means a place in a commercial crossbreeding program.
