Introduction
Beef production in New South Wales covers a range of climatic zones — from subtropical through temperate to mediterranean. Superimposed on the climatic variability are differences in pasture quality and quantity.
Crossbreeding is now extensively used to increase productivity of cattle. Currently, 50%–60% of cattle turned off are crossbred. In subtropical and some temperate areas, cattle with a proportion of Bos indicus breeding are used.
This Agfact is intended as a guide to assist cattle producers in deciding which Bos indicus / Bos taurus crosses are best suited to their particular management, pasture and environmental conditions, based on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth.