Study confirms heterosis, efficiency in Beefmasters

Crossbreeding is one of the most reliable and proven tools available to commercial cattlemen. Yet in an industry that constantly cycles through new trends, single-trait selection, and pressure to chase the next big thing, heterosis—often called hybrid vigor—is frequently undervalued or misunderstood.

Heterosis is obviously tightly linked to what we do at Isa Beefmasters. The breed originated as a three-breed composite in the 1930s, packing high levels of built-in heterosis into the gene pool. But it is also a crucial component of our genetic program today, as folks in North America search for a way to regain the positive effects of heterosis in a predominately Angus beef cow herd. In addition, many of our international customers have turned to Beefmasters to improve the productivity of their native cattle breeds.

A major study published in 2025 by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USDA-MARC) brings heterosis back into focus with some of the clearest data ever assembled on how crossbreeding affects growth, maternal performance, and carcass value in beef cattle. To read the entire report, please click here.

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