Although the additional weight of the Hereford sired calves resulted in higher Hot Standard Carcase Weights, carcase quality measurement including MSA Index were lower than strightbred Angus steers. The research identified the Hereford-sired steers had a mean MSA index of 61.5, while the pure Angus steers had a mean MSA index of 62.0.
In practical terms the 0.5 higher MSA index for pure Angus equates to a 1.56% increase in value to a producer. However, as Hereford-sired carcasses had a 4.1% advantage in HSCW, pure Angus steer carcasses would need to attract a 4.1% premium for that level of eating quality to compete in value.
As producers evaluate crossbreeding options, particularly using Hereford & Angus genetics, it is important to consider how easily a 4% premium for straightbred steers can be achieved at sale. More importantly while this premium can be a significant lift in return, crossbreeding has an impact across a range of factors which may cumulatively exceed the value of a 4.1% premium when analysed across a whole farm gross margin.
When considering a program, the research highlights the importance of using Hereford bulls over Angus cows rather than over Angus heifers. At the same time, it is worth also considering selecting sires with EBVs for lower birth weight and higher calving ease. Given that there is also a difference in marbling between crossbred steers and straightbred Angus steers, producers may also find value in selecting Hereford sires with above average EBVs for IMF%
