Comparisons of \u3ci\u3eBos indicus\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eBos taurus\u3c/i\u3e Inheritance for Carcass Beef Characteristics and Meat Palatability

Crossbreeding is used widely to exploit heterosis and additive genetic variation among breeds to improve efficiency of beef production. The economic value of Bos indicus breeds of cattle, primarily Brahman, in crossbreeding programs in subtropical and tropical climates has been well established. In the temperate climatic conditions of U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, productivity of Bos indicus x Bos taurus F1 crossbred cows has been outstanding for reproduction an matemal performance relative to that of Bos taurus x Bos taurus F1 cross cows when mated to produce terminal-cross calves by Red Poll or Simmental sires. (Brahman and Sahiwal are Bos indicus [humped] breeds; Pinzgauer, Angus, Hereford, Red Poll and Simmental and other European breeds are Bos taurus [nonhumped] breeds)