REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, COW PRODUCTIVITY, AND TEMPERAMENT ASSESSMENT OF PUREBRED SENEPOL AND ANGUS X SENEPOL COWS IN THE TROPICS

<p>Goals:Help local beef producers determine which breed or breed combination will provide more productive dams and crossbred calves that will display superior performance and beef quality under the tropical environment of the island. The objective of this initial study is to evaluate Senepol and Angus x Senepol crossbreds, to improve the efficiency of beef production through the expression of heterosis in the dams of cowcalf operations and their progeny. Hopefully the information generated will help Puerto Rico's beef producers maximize profit, and improve their competitive position relative to that of other producers.Objectives:1- Evaluate the reproductive performance of purebred Senepol and Angus x Senepol crossbred dams for feeder calf production2- Evaluate the preweaning growth of the purebred Senepol and Angus x Senepol crossbred calves3- To assess temperament differences in Senepol and Angus x Senepol cows and purebred and crossbred calves</p>