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The inclusion of both Bos indicus (Brahman) traits and Bos taurus (Shorthorn) traits in Santa Gertrudis cattle made them uniquely adaptable to tropical and subtropical climates throughout the world, yet capable of producing an acceptable carcass with reasonable gains.
To remain viable and competitive in the cattle industry, breeders must continue to make progress in improving animal genetics. Both consumer and industry expectations are changing, so producers must respond by making genetic changes. King Ranch is continuing to emphasize genetic progress in both the Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz cattle. For example, King Ranch is currently utilizing EPDs, DNA fingerprinting, embryo transfer, genomic selection criteria and AI to improve the Santa Gertrudis and to measure progress against their peers.
Today, King Ranch is one of the few operations which conducts within herd Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) calculations. These calculations allow King Ranch to continuously upgrade and improve its purebred Santa Gertrudis herd. This herd, comprising approximately 1100 animals, serves as the germ plasm herd for the introduction of new genetics and traits into the commercial Santa Cruz herds. Through the years, King Ranch genetics and breeding specialists have made certain that the changes in the commercial Santa Gertrudis herd continue to allow Santa Gertrudis cattle to thrive and produce offspring in humid climates. Using artificial insemination, embryo transfer, genomic selection, and other state of the art technologies, King Ranch will continue to provide the consumer with a product that is of the highest quality and wholesomeness.
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