Review: Preweaning, Postweaning, and Carcass Trait Comparisons for Progeny Sired by Subtropically Adapted Beef Sire Breeds at Various US Locations123

This review, which represents a summarization of research results generated during an approximately 22-yr period, involves preweaning, postweaning, and carcass trait comparisons of progeny sired by Bos indicus (Brahman, Boran, Nellore, Indu-Brazil, Gir, Sahiwal), B. indicus-derivative (Brangus, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis, Gelbray, Simbrah), non-B. indicus (Tuli, Romosinuano, Bonsmara, Senepol) subtropically adapted, and traditional Bos taurus (Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Red Poll) sire breeds. Relative to Brahman-sired progeny, preweaning (weaning weight) and postweaning (postweaning ADG, feedlot ADG, final feedlot BW) performance is expected to be less for progeny sired by non-B. indicus subtropically adapted sire breeds. The non-B. indicus subtropically adapted sire breeds do contribute to less dystocia and appear to improve carcass merit, especially carcass tenderness, over the Brahman breed. Other B. indicus sire breeds, such as the Gir and Sahiwal, but not the Indu-Brazil, contribute to less dystocia compared with the Brahman breed. Relative to B. indicus and non-B. indicus subtropically adapted sire breeds, B. taurus sire breeds, especially Angus and Hereford, express superior carcass merit in regard to marbling score, QG, and tenderness.