Criollo and Crossbred Steer Comparison: Weight Gain, Grazing, Carcass Quality, 2015-2017

Rarámuri Criollo cows have behavioral traits that are desirable for
rangelands in arid environments, but calves from this biotype are
difficult to market through conventional methods. One strategy to
improve marketability is to crossbreed these cows with traditional
beef breed bulls. However, it is unclear whether crossbred calves
will achieve marketable weights and carcass qualities on rangeland
and whether they will retain the desirable grazing behaviors of
their mothers. We evaluated these traits for two cohorts of Rarámuri
Criollo (JRC), Mexican Criollo (MC), and Criollo × beef-breed
crossbred (XC) steers. Final live and carcass weights of XC were
greater than JRC and MC, but all three groups were market ready at
30-mo after finishing on grass. Carcass quality and average daily
gain did not differ among biotypes. Both JRC and XC steers exhibited
grazing patterns similar to those previously observed in JRC cows.
These results suggest JRC, MC, and XC steers can achieve desirable
slaughter weights in 30 months using a rangeland-based grass-fed
protocol, and JRC and XC steers retain desirable grazing behaviors
of JRC cows.