 |
 |
The cross between a Chianina with any of the British breeds emphasizes hybrid vigor, exceptional growth rates and even makes calving easier due to the Chianina having a slender shaped head. The Chianina can boast of having a high lean to fat ratio - exceptional even amongst Continental breeds. The introduction of Chianina genetics leads to a reduction of waste fat in calves. It also lessens the incidence of genetic problems amongst the crossbreeds. Chianina bulls produce uniformity amongst all their crosses - a desirable trait for feedlots and cow-calf producers alike.
The first of the composite programs began in 1976 by crossing a Chianina to an Angus. The Chiangus is a prime example of breed complementarity. The black, polled offspring capitalize on the outstanding qualities of their parents. Cows have a long reproductive ability and are very fertile. The resulting carcass has high cutability and provides an excellent eating experience. In 1986, three other highly successful crossbreeding options were initiated. The Chiford (Chianina x Hereford), the Red Chiangus (Chianina x Red Angus) and the Chimaine (Chianina x Maine Anjou) exhibit the superiority of their composite breeding to that of their parents.
The Chianina can stand on its own merits. A well developed animal, they have few genetic and phenotypic faults. By combining the best of both Chianina and British breeds ranchers have been able to profi t in countless ways. The marketability of these animals is exceptional, and the ability to customize a cattle breeding program to a rancher’s environment is superb, bar none.
Maternal Ability and Longevity:
Successful beef production starts and ends with the cow. Chi and Chi-cross mothers provide a complete package of maternal skills full of staying power. The maternal heterosis bred into these cattle compliments the natural mothering ability of Chianina.
Advantages of Maternal Heterosis:
• Calving rate improves 3.5%
• Survival to weaning improves .8%
• Birth weight improves 1.6 lbs
• Weaning weight improves 18.0 lbs
• Longevity improves 1.36 years
Cow Lifetime Production Improvements:
• Number of calves improves .97%
• Cumulative weaning weight improves 600 lbs
The first of the composite programs began in 1976 by crossing a Chianina to an Angus. The Chiangus is a prime example of breed complementarity. The black, polled offspring capitalize on the outstanding qualities of their parents. Cows have a long reproductive ability and are very fertile. The resulting carcass has high cutability and provides an excellent eating experience. In 1986, three other highly successful crossbreeding options were initiated. The Chiford (Chianina x Hereford), the Red Chiangus (Chianina x Red Angus) and the Chimaine (Chianina x Maine Anjou) exhibit the superiority of their composite breeding to that of their parents.
The Chianina can stand on its own merits. A well developed animal, they have few genetic and phenotypic faults. By combining the best of both Chianina and British breeds ranchers have been able to profi t in countless ways. The marketability of these animals is exceptional, and the ability to customize a cattle breeding program to a rancher’s environment is superb, bar none.
Maternal Ability and Longevity:
Successful beef production starts and ends with the cow. Chi and Chi-cross mothers provide a complete package of maternal skills full of staying power. The maternal heterosis bred into these cattle compliments the natural mothering ability of Chianina.
Advantages of Maternal Heterosis:
• Calving rate improves 3.5%
• Survival to weaning improves .8%
• Birth weight improves 1.6 lbs
• Weaning weight improves 18.0 lbs
• Longevity improves 1.36 years
Cow Lifetime Production Improvements:
• Number of calves improves .97%
• Cumulative weaning weight improves 600 lbs
Chi Cattle Produce
Real World Numbers
that Really Count
Beef Empire Days
Garden City, KS
• 2009 3rd Place Heifer in Live Division
• 2008 Reserve GrandChampion Heifer in Live Division
• 2007 Grand Champion Steer in Live Division
• 2006 Overall Grand Champion Steer
• 2005 Overall Grand Champion Steer
• 2004 Grand Champion and 3rd Overall Out of 112 Head
when carcass measures were applied to a composite live and carcass final value
National Western Fed Beef Contest
• 2007 Grand Champion Carcass, Exhibited by Ralph Danner
• 2006 Grand Champion Overall Pen
• 2005 Grand Champion Overall Pen, Feeder & Producer Divisions
• 2005 Producer Division, Chi Cattle Stood 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th
• 2004 Reserve Champion Overall Pen and Producer Division Champion
• 2003 Reserve Champion Overall Pen and Producer Division Champion
• 2003 3rd Place Overall Pen and 2nd Place in Producer Division
Nebraska Cattlemen’s ClassicKearney, NE
• 2009 Chi Heifer Named Supreme Champion Female (This heifer was also the high-selling heifer at the Classic)
• 2008 Chi Sale Topped All Sale Averages at $4,080/Lot
• 2007 Chiangus Females Topped All Sale Averages at $4,783/Lot
• 2006 Chiangus Heifer Named Supreme Champion Female
• 2005 Chi Sale Topped All Sale Averages at $5,577/Lot
Beef Empire Days
Garden City, KS
• 2009 3rd Place Heifer in Live Division
• 2008 Reserve GrandChampion Heifer in Live Division
• 2007 Grand Champion Steer in Live Division
• 2006 Overall Grand Champion Steer
• 2005 Overall Grand Champion Steer
• 2004 Grand Champion and 3rd Overall Out of 112 Head
when carcass measures were applied to a composite live and carcass final value
National Western Fed Beef Contest
• 2007 Grand Champion Carcass, Exhibited by Ralph Danner
• 2006 Grand Champion Overall Pen
• 2005 Grand Champion Overall Pen, Feeder & Producer Divisions
• 2005 Producer Division, Chi Cattle Stood 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th
• 2004 Reserve Champion Overall Pen and Producer Division Champion
• 2003 Reserve Champion Overall Pen and Producer Division Champion
• 2003 3rd Place Overall Pen and 2nd Place in Producer Division
Nebraska Cattlemen’s ClassicKearney, NE
• 2009 Chi Heifer Named Supreme Champion Female (This heifer was also the high-selling heifer at the Classic)
• 2008 Chi Sale Topped All Sale Averages at $4,080/Lot
• 2007 Chiangus Females Topped All Sale Averages at $4,783/Lot
• 2006 Chiangus Heifer Named Supreme Champion Female
• 2005 Chi Sale Topped All Sale Averages at $5,577/Lot
WHAT CATTLEMAN SAY ABOUT CHI CATTLE
“This breed has the ability to grade well, produce high weaning weights, are long lived and can provide much more. There are so many angles that people can work from in this breed and that’s not something every breed can offer.”
- Bryan Schaefer Schaefer Chiangus, Des Lacs, ND
“Prior to deciding on the Chiangus herd, we tried other breeds and crosses, but found they did not hold up as well to the extreme conditions at the Ordway, Colorado ranch. After one breeding program led to only a 30 percent breed-back rate that year, we knew it was time to stick with the Chiangus, which are the right cattle for this environment. In our herd, we saw immediate improvements with the Chi crosses. We fi rst retained some of our heifers in 2005, and found a noticeable difference in how docile they were over the commercial herd, along with the unquestionably higher weaning weights. In addition to the improvement in straight pounds, we see Yield Grade 2 Choice cattle versus the Grade 4 Choice from previous years.”
- Don Esch Longmont, CO
“Chi infl uence cattle in the feedlot bring everything to the table a feeder could ask for! Profi t drivers in the feed yard are feed conversion, carcass weight and carcass traits. Chi’s convert, put on the pounds and have respectful carcass traits. The industry has been lacking in muscle for several years and it continues to be a problem especially if the commercial producer has been following the latest fads or genetic trends. Chi’s will get a calf crop back where they need to be in terms of muscling without affecting marbling.”
- Dan Dorn Decatur County Feedyard, Oberlin, KS
“With Chi’s you get the style you want and the performance you need. You get do-ability from the Chi infl uence.”
- Richard Behmer AC Cattle Company, Hoskins, NE
[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MEAT QUALITY BROCHURE]“This breed has the ability to grade well, produce high weaning weights, are long lived and can provide much more. There are so many angles that people can work from in this breed and that’s not something every breed can offer.”
- Bryan Schaefer Schaefer Chiangus, Des Lacs, ND
“Prior to deciding on the Chiangus herd, we tried other breeds and crosses, but found they did not hold up as well to the extreme conditions at the Ordway, Colorado ranch. After one breeding program led to only a 30 percent breed-back rate that year, we knew it was time to stick with the Chiangus, which are the right cattle for this environment. In our herd, we saw immediate improvements with the Chi crosses. We fi rst retained some of our heifers in 2005, and found a noticeable difference in how docile they were over the commercial herd, along with the unquestionably higher weaning weights. In addition to the improvement in straight pounds, we see Yield Grade 2 Choice cattle versus the Grade 4 Choice from previous years.”- Don Esch Longmont, CO
“Chi infl uence cattle in the feedlot bring everything to the table a feeder could ask for! Profi t drivers in the feed yard are feed conversion, carcass weight and carcass traits. Chi’s convert, put on the pounds and have respectful carcass traits. The industry has been lacking in muscle for several years and it continues to be a problem especially if the commercial producer has been following the latest fads or genetic trends. Chi’s will get a calf crop back where they need to be in terms of muscling without affecting marbling.”
- Dan Dorn Decatur County Feedyard, Oberlin, KS
“With Chi’s you get the style you want and the performance you need. You get do-ability from the Chi infl uence.”
- Richard Behmer AC Cattle Company, Hoskins, NE