07/28/2026
While the selection of desirable carcass traits and growth characteristics is always important to keep in mind when making selections for you breeding operation, developing a herd that is best suited for your region or environment is much more valuable, and can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
A large mature weight can mean a lot of different things for many producers, but in the long run it comes down to just a few things that can cost produces a lot of $ in production. Grass consumption, Mineral consumption, and utilization of natural resources. A heavier cow requires more DMI (Dry Matter Intake) than a more moderate frame cow, and that can make a huge impact in more arid regions, or areas facing drought, requiring more acres per head. The same goes for mineral consumption.
At the end of the day, we strive to produce quality cattle that will thrive in our native environment, and those alike. By producing a moderate framed animal, we can achieve desired carcass and growth traits, along with the phenotype and material traits we look for in every cow, doing so makes sure we use our natural resources to the best and fullest extent, while providing producers with cattle that put more money in their pockets!
The Angus cow is now heavier at maturity than the Charolais. The full order from heaviest down ran Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Brahman, Salers, Santa Gertrudis, Simmental, Maine-Anjou, Limousin, Red Angus, Brangus, Chiangus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, Beefmaster, Braunvieh. A bigger cow eats more every day of her life, whether or not she weans a bigger calf.
Sources : UNL, USMARC & The Farm Brief
