in relation to the reputation of the breed; thus, they look for signs that indicate a certain breed or breeds making up crossbred cattle. Color patterns likely to result from specific crosses are detailed in Table 2. With that in mind, knowing the basics of coat color inheritance can help producers know what to expect from various breed/composite pairings relative to color pattern. Therefore, knowing the basics of color inheritance will help in planning crossbreeding systems that create animals that are suitable for desired marketing niches or branded programs.
Charolais or Hereford) and these features, such as “diluters” and blaze faces, are much less common than in the past which makes the process of managing color in crossbreeding systems much easier. Table 5. Galloway. Shorthorn was the first improved breed to be imported into the New World and the qualities the animal possessed made it in great demand and its influence spread rapidly across America. Table 3 illustrates the expected color pattern in offspring from the three-way crossbreds utilizing the F1 cow and straightbred bulls. With the formation of the American Shorthorn Association (ASA) following 26 years later in 1872, the ASA continues as one of the oldest American breed organizations in existence today. Beef Shorthorn come in three colors, red, white and roan. Other buyers may be looking to source animals that qualify for black- or red-hided branded beef programs and are willing to pay a premium for these types of calves. Most breeds of beef cattle have a fixed color pattern that is characteristic for that breed because of previous selection. For producers who market cattle in groups, color can be an economically important trait. Infusion of Hereford will put white or brockle face on essentially any color of cow. “Shorthorns are well known for their striking and varied color combinations. A working knowledge of the inheritance of coat color will aid in planning for the color pattern to expect among calves when crossing breeds. Summary: Understanding the genetic basis of coat color can help create more uniform progeny groups and aid in marketing crossbred calves. As we increase the number and diversity of breeds involved in crosses, we decrease our ability to maintain complete control of coat color in the offspring unless it was taken into account during breed selection. A few years later, in 1973, youth gathered to compete in the first National Junior Shorthorn Show. Only want one body color from three-breed cross program?
Thus, the first cross between black and red will produce essentially all black (depends upon frequency of black cows to bulls that are red carriers) calves. A very thorough discussion of coat color in cattle, including its many variations (Table 3) can be found at, Decreasing Generation Interval to Increase Genetic Progress, http://simmental.org/site/pdf/other/olsoncolor.pdf. This program has strengthened the Shorthorn influence by increasing numbers and providing additional germplasm through the use of related and non-related breeds. In the 1870’s breeders discovered “natural hornless” cattle occurring from time-to-time in horned herds. Table 4 lists certain breeds that, when crossed with other breeds, frequently produce calves with distinct characteristics.
The Shorthorn breed’s collection of data for genetic evaluation began in 1973, and in 1982 the first Shorthorn Genetic Evaluation was established to provide Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) to ASA members. The conference format is specifically designed to challenge older youth to expand their knowledge on the current issues of the agricultural industry and develop leadership skills they will use throughout life. In addition to the red, white and roan patterns, the animal may be spotted or have well-defined patching of red and white. Shorthorn genetics have been used worldwide in the development of over 50 different breeds.
As an example, Charolais cattle are red, but possess two alleles for dilution, which results in white coat color (Gutiérrez-Gil et al.
There will be some exceptions because of gene segregation. Several of the available cattle breeds are categorized by basic body color in Table 1. The inclusion of ShorthornPlus and Durham Red registered cattle help to promote and verify Shorthorn influence in commercial production.
Table 2. Many buyers will estimate performance (growth, carcass characteristics, etc.) Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. T: 02477 103406 (Answer phone only) Among the newest programs that ASA has adopted is joining International Genetic Solutions to become a part of the multi-breed EPD system that allows producers to compare different breeds side by side.
Polled Shorthorns possessed the same qualities for adaptability, mothering ability, reproductive performance, good disposition, feed conversion, longevity and popularity as their horned counterparts.