“Hair coat score is a measure of the amount of hair that has been shed by an animal in late May,” said Jared Decker, assistant professor of beef genetics extension and computational genomics at the University of Missouri. Scores are: 5, full winter coat; 4, coat exhibits initial shedding; 3, coat is halfway shed; 2, coat is mostly shed; and 1, slick, short summer coat.
Many climatologists suggest we are in a global warming trend. “If we are getting warmer, it is important from a research perspective to understand how cattle adapt, develop new tools to help identify cattle across and within breeds that are best suited for the environment, and what management practices such as shade, water and air movement promote performance and well-being,” said Shane Gadberry, associate professor of Animal Science and Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Arkansas.
According to Decker, there are major differences between breeds in their ability to cope with heat stress. “Despite issues with the quality of meat from zebu cattle, we continue to see zebu (Brahman) and zebu-influenced (Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, and Beefmaster) cattle used in the southern United States due to their superior heat tolerance. There is also variation in heat tolerance within breeds, with some individuals and their progeny performing better in warmer climates.”
“Cattle that shed their winter coats late in the spring or fail to shed at all are at risk for heat stress as temperatures and humidity rise,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist for Extension at the University of Missouri.
“From 2000 to 2010 we observed the proportion of black and black-white face cattle increase from 36 percent of calves sold in Arkansas auction markets to 57 percent,” Gadberry said. “The proportion of cattle not having any Brahman (Indicus) influence remained about the same (65 percent of calves), and the proportion of predominately Angus type has more than doubled.”
From observing other university research studies, Gadberry concludes there is probably more than forage or copper to blame for visible hair coat flaws, and adding hair coat scoring as part of cow selection and culling practice may improve total pounds weaned.
“Additional research is being conducted in the area of ‘slick hair gene,’” Gadberry said. “Some non-Indicus type cattle that are adapted to hot environments exhibit a slick hair characteristic. Research studies are currently being designed to examine the value of crossbreeding with breeds such as Senepol that exhibit this trait.”
Good performing cattle come in all colors. “It’s important in prioritizing economic traits to remember to utilize objective performance data in animal selection,” Cole said. “Keeping individual weights at weaning and yearling time helps.”
Some breeds have a color genetic makeup like spots, brindle, etc., that may have some negatives in the eyes of feeder buyers. Buyers should be aware of this as breeding programs are put together.
“Persons need to have a breed or cross they’re happy about,” Cole said. “I tell newcomers to the area if they ask about breeds, that a lot depends on their objectives. If they have unlimited funds it may not matter what breed or color they choose. However, if they intend to make money, they need to study what their particular market is looking for. They may like a certain breed or cross, but if the buyer potential isn’t there, they should choose another breed or cross.”
Cole added that breeders should, “keep it simple” and understand what different breeds contribute to a crossing system is very important.
Extension livestock specialists can help on hair coat scoring and the inheritance of coat color. “Remember to talk to persons who do not have a bias that might influence the information they share with you,” Cole said. “Reputable breeders and artificial insemination company representatives should be good sources of information also.”
