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Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

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By Jared E. Decker Many of you have probably noticed that things have been a lot less active on the A Steak in Genomics™   blog, but you probably haven't known why. In January 2021, I was named the Wurdack Chair in Animal Genomics at Mizzou, and I now focus on research, with a little bit of teaching. I no longer have an extension appointment. But, with exciting news, the blog is about to become a lot more active! Jamie Courter began as the new MU Extension state beef genetics specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences on September 1, 2023. I have known Jamie for several years, meeting her at BIF when she was a Masters student. I have been impressed by Jamie in my interactions with her since that time.  Dr. Courter and I have been working closely together the last 6 weeks, and I am excited to work together to serve the beef industry for years to come! Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and earned a master's degree in animal...
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Selection and Use of Breeds and Breedtypes: Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course 2015

Joe Paschal
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Calf value is not price per pound. Calf value is the sum of genetic and management decisions and cost. Many factors go into management decisions, including genetics, reproduction, preweaning care, weaning, and marketing.

Since the 1950s, we have been concerned with matching cattle to their environment. Need to match forage availability and stress of the environment to the milking ability, mature size, ability to store energy, stress tolerance, calving ease, and lean to fat ratio of the cow (see Texas Adapted Genetic Strategiesfor Beef Cattle I: An Overview for more information). The first step is to select the breeds you will use in your operation; breed averages can be used to make these decisions (see Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle V:Type and Breed Characteristics and Uses for more information). Your cattle need to have an identity.
Brahman bulls used on British heifers have a higher birth weight; need to be very careful with this.

There are two different breeding systems.

Straightbred:

  • Produces own replacements
  • Uniform
  • Select breed to match marketing and with most desireable traits
  • No hybrid vigor
  • Easy


Crossbred:

  • planned, not an mongrelization!!!
  • Combine breeds to fit marketing situations and environments
  • Some produce own replacements
  • Be careful of uniformity
  • Add or change breeds to correct faults
  • More adaptable
  • Hybrid vigor in crossbred (a cummalative effect)



What does the industry want?
1/4 of less Bos indicus (Brahman)
At least 1/4 or 1/2 British
No more than 1/2 Continental
No more than 1/4 Dairy

How can you get there?
Straightbred British
British x British
Continental-British crosses
Brahman-British x British or Continental
Brahman-Continental x British
Straightbred American
American x American
American x British
American x Continental

Hybrid vigor makes up for a lot of mistakes. Functional cows don't have to be pretty. You might be in love with your cattle or bred, but what about buyers down the line?

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