Using Luing Genetics Effectively
The Luing breed was developed to provide component parts of successful cross-breeding programs. Here are some ways that Luing genetics are achieving that:
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As the sire of F1 females.
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As the dam of terminal cross calves.
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As a calving ease solution for heifers.
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As the terminal sire of high quality beef.
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As a purebred for gene pool renewal.
Luing bull crossed onto maternal Cows.
(F1 Luing cross Angus cows pictured)
​Mating Luing bulls to another breed with maternal genetics captures hybrid vigor as well as breed complementarity. The resulting F1 females are in high demand in the marketplace or can be retained as replacements within the herd. Mating these F1 females to a terminal sire maximizes hybrid vigor allowing you to benefit both from increased calf weaning weight and cow fertility/longevity.
Terminal cross with Luing females.
Mating Luing females to a terminal breed like Charolais allows you to benefit from hybrid vigor by producing heavier calves while retaining the maternal efficiency of your cow herd. This system produces F1 calves for sale that have outstanding market acceptance.
Luing Bull as a calving ease sire on heifers.
Using a Luing bull as a calving ease sire on heifers of any breed will minimize your problems and maximize your number of live calves. Being relatively fine boned and with birthweights consistently around 70lbs out of heifers Luing calves are typically born and on their feet suckling very quickly. While most breeds advertise “cow bull” and “heifer bull” strains we consider the whole breed to be suitable for use on heifers.
**Caution** While we have the genetics to ensure calving ease a successful outcome relies on the rancher appropriately developing and feeding their heifers.
Terminal use of Luing bulls to produce high quality beef.
(Luing x (Belted Galloway x Angus) steer pictured.)
Some producers use Luings in a terminal role. Their goal is often to utilize the breed’s unique beef quality traits in niche grass-fed beef markets. Although lacking the rapid growth rates of some terminal breeds, well fattened Luing beef is fine grained and tender which has earned it recognition as a premium product with consumers.
Pure bred Luing.
While straight-breeding in a commercial situation is generally the least profitable strategy it is necessary in purebred herds to maintain the gene pools to create the genetics for cross-breeding systems. Maintaining a pure bred Luing herd allows for a self-sustaining and predictable population that will be acclimatized to their environment and the owners management. Having a closed herd reduces the risk of introducing disease or health problems into your herd.