Heat stress poses significant challenges to cattle, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates and where fescue is the predominant forage. In these conditions, the presence of endophyte-infected fescue can impede blood circulation and hinder the animals' ability to handle extreme temperatures. Heat-stressed cattle often experience reduced appetite, impeding growth, milk production, and fertility.
To address this issue, cattlemen in the southern United States have sought solutions by introducing Brahman genetics since the 1880s. Brahman cattle, originating from India and China, are a Bos Indicus breed known for their ability to thrive in hot and humid weather. However, they also have certain drawbacks, including excitable temperament, slower growth, and variation in carcass quality. Consequently, producers have been exploring alternative heat-tolerant combinations.
Heat-tolerant Bos Taurus breeds such as Mashona, Criollo, Romosinuano, Tuli, and Senepol, with origins in Spain and Africa, have shown promise. By incorporating these genetics into traditional American breeds, producers can enhance heat tolerance while retaining desirable Bos Taurus traits.
One notable initiative is the work of Pharo Cattle Company (PCC) based in Colorado, which has partnered with producers nationwide. PCC cooperators like Al DeWit from Missouri's Dbar7 Ranch have integrated Mashona and Romosinuano genetics into their herds.
The Mashona breed, hailing from Zimbabwe, exhibits good heat tolerance and thrives on low-quality forage. Romosinuano, on the other hand, descended from Spanish cattle and developed in South America's lowland regions, renowned for equatorial heat and humidity.
Mashona and Romosinuano crosses have yielded promising results. These hybrids, comprising half Red Angus, one quarter Mashona, and one quarter Romosinuano, display commendable heat tolerance and parasite resistance. While their phenotype may differ slightly from traditional British cattle, their overall performance and ability to withstand harsh conditions make them valuable additions to the herd.
Creating these heat-tolerant composites is a meticulous and time-consuming process, as breeders carefully manage the percentage of each breed within the composite. Romosinuano cattle, known for their slick hair gene, require additional care in colder climates due to their reduced winter hair coat. However, composites with lesser Romosinuano genetics still develop sufficient winter hair, making them well-suited for colder regions.
During sweltering summers, Mashona and Romosinuano crosses shine, demonstrating their ability to graze and thrive in high temperatures and humidity. These composites excel on fescue and maintain better body condition than their British counterparts. As the cattle industry continues to address heat stress challenges, the development of heat-tolerant composites provides a promising solution for resilient and thriving herds.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle