Author
 |
Riley, David |
|
Sigua, Gilbert |
|
Submitted to: Florida Scientist
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/12/2004 Publication Date: 3/18/2005 Citation: Riley, D.G., Sigua, G.C. 2005. Beef cattle research in west central florida [abstract]. Florida Scientist. p.5. Paper No. AGR10. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: A substantial amount of the forage in the United states is located in the states along the Gulf Coast. This area is hot, humid and has high pest loads and mostly low quality forage. Most of the cattle in the United States descend from European cattle and are poorly adapted to these conditions. Cattle that are adapted frequently display undesirable characteristics, such as low reproductive rates, poor disposition, and substandard beef yeild and quality. Much of the work at this Agricultural Research Service facility is directed to improvement of these types of problems. Research can be broadly categorized into two categories: 1) investigation of breeds of cattle (as both purebreds and crossbreds)that are known to be adapted to the tropics and subtropics; and 2) identification of individual animals that excel for various characteristics to use as parents of the next generation (selection). The current project is documenting the performance of the Romosinuano, a breed of cattle from Colombia, as a purebred and also when crossed with the predominant temperate and tropically adapted breeds (Angus and Brahman, respectively) for characteristics that are important economic and production components, from birth to beef quality and quantity (males), and from birth through liftime cow performance (females). Results will confirm the suitability (Or lack thereof) for the Romosinuano in U.S. cattle production. |
