PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY CROSSES WITH THE HEREFORD IN A RANGE ENVIRONMENT
The performance of Brown-Swiss-, Holstein-, and Hereford-sired calves produced in a specific Hereford cow herd over 2 yr was evaluated in a southern Alberta range environment. Holstein × Hereford heifers exceeded Brown Swiss × Hereford and Hereford heifers in 200-day weight and 365-day weight, and lost less weight during the winter. Crossbred bull calves were heavier than Herefords in initial feedlot weight and 365-day weight, and had heavier and longer carcasses at the same age. Although the crossbreds consumed about 15% more digestible energy (DE) than the Herefords during the 168-day feedlot period, the three groups did not differ in megajoules (Mj) of dietary energy per kilogram of gain. Holstein × Hereford bulls had the highest feedlot average daily gain and the least fat cover over the longissimus dorsi. Brown Swiss × Hereford bulls had more lean, less marbling, and the highest cutability percent. An important aspect of the study was the demonstrated hardiness of the crossbred heifers derived from the apparently well-adapted Hereford cow herd in the tough range environment. Key words: Beef crosses, beef cattle performance, crossbreeding