Colorado State Univ. scientists used 80 steer progeny produced by mating British cross females to one of three terminal sires (Charolais) or one of five maternal sires (three Angus and two Red Angus-Composites) to compare the effects of sire type (terminal vs. maternal) on performance, carcass traits, and profitability.

Steers sired by terminal bulls were significantly heavier at most stages of production, from birth to harvest, and grew faster from birth to weaning than steers sired by maternal bulls. Terminal-sired steers consumed significantly more feed, but there were no differences between sire types in feed conversion or cost of gain. Carcasses sired by terminal bulls were significantly heavier than those sired by maternal bulls, but other carcass traits did not differ.

Profitability was compared using two different marketing scenarios—selling calves at weaning or retained ownership through harvest. If sold at weaning, terminal-sired calves would generate $39.52 more net return than maternal-sired calves. If retained through harvest, terminal-sired calves would generate $83.62 more net return than maternal-sired calves. These results suggest that for commercial cow-calf producers who routinely retain ownership of their calves through harvest and who have access to a reliable source of affordable females, the use of a terminal crossbreeding system may be a viable strategy for enhancing profitability (Schneider et al. 2005. Colorado State Univ. Beef Report).