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Show 4 Farm and Garden Guide Crossbreeds sell This cross bred calf belonging to Jerry Ericson of Wellington represents taking advantage of two compatible cattle breeds. Another reason for cross breeding is to improve offspring over the parents. angus-herefor- d Most cow-ca- lf operations in Utah depend primarily on the sale of wearted calves for yearly income. This income is balanced with costs to arrive at a net return or loss. Any plan to increase income via weaning weight increases must include a consideration of increased costs as well. Since most costs are figured on a per cow basis, the producer needs to maximize production per cow in the herd. Pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed is a good indicator of this production. One of the factors affecting weaning weight is the genetic makelf contributed up of the calf; one-ha- by each parent. By varying the genetics through a planned crossbreeding system, certain bonuses can be realized. Crossbreeding is the mating of animals from different established breeds or genetic backgrounds. It may be practiced for either or both of two reasons. The first is heterosis, or hybrid vigor, which is the improvement in performance of the offspring over the average of the parents. The second reason is to take advantage of two different but complementary breeds to produce offspring with a desirable combination of traits. Maximum production on a commercial operation usually depends on maximizing both hybrid vigor and complementation. Research at various experience stations using British breed crosses has shown direct effects of heterosis and an 8.5 on calf survival of 3 increase in weaning weights. When compared to a 350 pound straightbred calf, the crossbred will be almost 30 pounds heavier. At todays prices, that should be enough reason to try crossbreeding. The real bonus, however, comes in the cows, rather than the calves. Expression of heterosis is greatest in traits of low heritability, in- most cluding important reproductive traits. Research, comparing crossbred and straightbred cows, has shown significant increases in fertility, mothering ability, age at first heat in heifers, and actual weight of calves weaned per cow exposed to the bull. The combined effects for maternal heterosis and direct effects on calves can exceed 20; or 70 pounds over a 350 pound straightbred calf. Now Available Tractor Tune-U- p Sometimes planning for the future means mora thai ing your crops. First Security's specialists camshoyou how to plan your estate with an Individual Retirement Account or Keogh Plan to achieve your aims whilekeephg tax costs and other expenses at a minimum. Comesfgdny First Security Bank today. OF UTAH, N.A. MEMBER FDIC Parts Truck, 4x4's& Auto Parts Other parts by special order HARDS |