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North American
   Limousin Foundation
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7383 S. Alton Way
Centennial, CO  80112

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Proposed NALF Hybrid Program

The concept of NALF helping to more clearly define uses for Limousin genetics in commercial crossbreeding systems was discussed at length during the Focus 2000 symposium. As a result of the discussion, it was recognized that in addition to using fullblood and purebred Limousin bulls, a growing number of commercial producers are utilizing lower percentage, hybrid bulls to simplify management of crossbreeding. In response, the NALF board, staff and a specially assigned hybrid committee developed the proposed LIM-Flex program that was outlined in the NALF Line column of the December 2001 issue of the Limousin World.

Based on Focus 2000 membership input, the primary focus of the proposed program is to clearly promote how commercial producers can profitably incorporate fullblood, purebred and percentage Limousin bulls in crossbreeding with their cows to hit end-product targets. Secondarily, the proposal calls for development of data processing, registry, and genetic evaluation services for a branded line of Limousin, Angus hybrid seedstock. Over these past several months, the NALF board and staff have solicited member input regarding this proposed program, such that the most appropriate decisions possible may be made as to how NALF should best address this issue.

NALF members have responded with a number of thought provoking questions, and offered up ideas as to how the proposed program for hybrid Limousin seedstock might be improved. What follows are some of the more frequently asked questions, along with a reciprocal response.

Q. Why is NALF investing time and resources on the issue of hybrid seedstock?

R. In many regions of the country, commercial cattlemen are turning to hybrid bulls to help simplify crossbreeding. As cited in the recent BEEF magazine special issue on Survival Strategies In the Beef Industry, Dr. Harlan Ritchie states, "we've observed increasing use of hybrid or composite bulls as a means of simplifying cross-breeding systems while harvesting a significant amount of heterosis." If NALF ignores this apparent trend, the Limousin breed risks erosion of market share to hybrid competitors, and Limousin breeders that are producing hybrids would be at a competitive disadvantage to other hybrid producers whose breed associations are offering services for hybrids. In fact, currently the Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh, and Red Angus associations are all working on this issue. Several of these breeds are likely to offer data processing services for producers of hybrids regardless of breed composition. It would be to the disadvantage of Limousin for hybrid data and business to fall into the hands of a competitor.

Q. Why are some commercial producers turning to the use of hybrid bulls as compared to purebreds and fullbloods?

R. In most cases, when compared to using straightbred bulls in rotational crossbreeding systems, use of hybrid bulls offers two advantages 1) hybrid bulls help to simplify management of crossbreeding and grazing systems, and 2) use of hybrid bulls results in less variation of percent blood among animals in a given calf crop. This results in production of female replacements and harvested progeny that are more uniform in breed composition as compared to animals from rotational mating systems. Simplification of mating and grazing is achieved through not necessarily having to identify, record parentage and sort cows as specifically into separate breeding pastures matched to the correct breed of service sire to execute the rotation. Hence, use of hybrid bulls offers most of the benefits of crossbreeding with the simplicity of straightbreeding. Fortunate for Limousin, it should be pointed out that this same simplicity is achieved with classical terminal crossing systems where all progeny are sold and replacements are purchased from outside the system. Limousin breeders who would like to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of various types of crossbreeding systems are encouraged to contact the NALF office for additional literature.

Q. Why was the proposed minimum percent Limousin blood requirement for the hybrid program set at 25%, instead of the current registry requirements?

R. The issue of the proposed minimum percent Limousin blood represents a debate between uniformity of the hybrid product versus both the flexibility (possible uses of the product) and the potential numbers of cattle that might be included in the program. Setting the minimum percent Limousin blood requirement at 50% instead of 25% would make for a more homogeneous population of labeled hybrids. Alternatively, setting the requirement lower would broaden the potential scope of cattle included in the program. For example, for breeders wishing to produce recognized hybrids from registered Limousin three-quarter and seven-eights blood cows, a 50% requirement would restrict their participation (assuming the use of registered Angus sires on these cows). Incorporation of multi-breed genetic evaluation procedures and printing the percent blood information on performance records would accurately describe the genetic merit of animals across a wide range of percent Limousin blood, enabling reliable selection decisions despite greater variability. This wider range of percent Limousin would make for an extremely flexible set of possible uses for the hybrid products.

Why is the proposed branded hybrid seedstock product restricted to crosses of Limousin and Angus or Red Angus?

R. Several reasons exist as to why crosses other than Limousin and Angus or Red Angus were not specified as part of the proposed brand. The primary reason was to preserve focus of brand identity, such that when commercial producers see the name they know the general breed makeup of the product. As discussed in the question above regarding percent blood requirements, restricting the breed crosses eligible for the label also provides for at least some level of homogeneity of biological type and appearance (solid black or red color with no white, dilution or spots and predominately polled). From a practical standpoint, it would also appear that by an overwhelming margin Angus and Red Angus are the breeds of choice to cross with Limousin because of how well the merits of these breeds compliment one another. Members are reminded that if animals are at least 25% Limousin and comply with proposed sire specifications, but are from breeds not specified under the label, they are still eligible to be issued "Hybrid Registration Certificates". Recording such animals is encouraged because offspring may qualify for the brand. As a side-note, even though not a part of the current NALF registry, Brahmousin represents a branded Limousin hybrid seedstock product.

Q. How might the proposed program for hybrids affect selection objectives and the genetic merit of fullblood and purebred Limousin cattle?

A. Loss of breed identity is a potentially legitimate concern should a breed recognize branded lines of hybrid seedstock. While breeds should never lose sight of their inherent strengths, the economic importance of breed identity to commercial customers is limited by the extent to which this identity excels the competition in adding profit. However, use of a breed in the production of a recognized registered line of hybrids may actually encourage preservation of the breed's identity because the most valuable straightbreds might be those that are most complimentary to the breed to which it is crossed. Relatively heavy muscled Limousin sires would likely be preferred to average or light muscled sires for producing hybrid blends with Angus genetics. Limousin breeders may actually be afforded the luxury of concentrating more on breed strengths than on attempting to select straightbreds across the complete range of traits.

Appreciation is expressed to NALF members for the valuable input provided by over these past several months on this thought provoking and complex issue. Further comments are invited as the board of directors continues to contemplate the most prudent and advantageous course of action.