Date of Award:

5-1973

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Economics and Finance

Department name when degree awarded

Economics

Committee Chair(s)

Darwin B. Nielsen

Committee

Darwin B. Nielsen

Committee

Herbert Fullerton

Committee

John Butcher

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine empirically if crossbreeding offers a more profitable alternative to Utah cattlemen than straightbreeding. Ranchers practicing breed crossing were interviewed to determine the relative merits of crossbreeding and straightbreeding in the categories of calf crop, weaning weight, sale price, and minor economic factors under ranch conditions. Crossbred and straightbred sale prices were analyzed utilizing the records of the Smithfield Livestock Auction.

Analysis of rancher interview data indicated that crossbred animals exceeded straightbreds in weaning weight and sale price. Crossbreds were further credited with lowering herd disease levels. No generalizations from comparative calf crop were feasible. Analysis of auction data found no conclusive evidence of price differentiation between crossbreds and straightbreds.

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Included in

Finance Commons

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