Researched data boosts prospects of Tuli cattle

By DAVY MOSELEY | East Texas Edition

Performance of Tuli cattle used to produce a quality crossbred bovine were detailed at the recent field day. -Staff photo by Moseley

November 15, 2001 -- The Tuli cattle breed boasts the same advantages of other cattle breeds, but posses some additional characteristics that speak for themselves.

Tuli cattle were discussed in detail at the Nov. 8 North American Tuli Association (NATA) annual field day and membership meeting at the Shelby Tuli Ranch in DeKalb.

Dr. J.W. Holloway, Texas A&M Experiment Station, Uvalde, delivered an informative speech on Tuli cross cattle and how they compare to traditional cattle breeds.

"We have cattle that perform well in Texas when conditions are good, but how many of those perform well under harsh and extreme weather conditions?"

Holloway outlined the performance of Tuli crossbreeds in a study in semi-arid South Texas:

• Tuli crosses graze efficiently during the day;

• Tuli crosses have low birth weights and are early maturing;

• Females with Tuli-cross calves have high subsequent reproductive success;

• Tuli crossbred females are moderate in size;

• Tuli cross females have calves with low birth weights and moderate size;

• Tuli crossbred females are reproductively efficient;

• Tuli crossbred calves have tender beef;

• Tuli crossbred steers marble well and have large ribeyes;

• Tuli cross steers store fat internally.

Holloway concluded that the Tuli cross cattle outperformed Angus and Brahman cross cattle.

"Tuli cattle are (adaptable) to Texas' (diverse weather and climate) conditions. They are easy-keeping, efficient, uniform and have tender beef," said Holloway. "The Tuli breed can provide the missing link to bridge the gap in cattle genetics. That gap being adaptation to heat and nutritional stress combined with carcass merit."

Dr. Ron Randel, Texas A&M Experiment Station, Overton, spoke on research progress with Tuli cattle in Texas and Mexico.

Randel outlined the findings in the Mexican Tuli cattle.

Under the environmental conditions of Northeastern Mexico, Tuli-sired calves had growth traits which were equal to calves produced from Brahman and Brahman cross cows. The Tuli has the adaption required to be used productively in crossbreeding systems for the North American tropics for production of weaned beef calves without reducing pounds of calf weaned, and in many cases may increase weaning weights over current levels.

"From the data collected (at Overton and Mexico), it is clear that Tuli genetics cross exceptionally well with Brahman and Brahman-influenced breed types," Randel said.

Randel reported on a study of Tuli, Brahman and Angus bulls. He concluded that Brahman bulls (bos indicus) were the oldest and heaviest at puberty, behind Angus. The tropically-adapted Tuli bulls (bos taurus) performed competitively with, or better than, the Angus bulls in all categories measured. Randel concluded that the use of tropically-adapted Tuli bulls should not result in cattle producers having to allow for an increased time period for sexual development.

Special guest, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, attended the event and spoke on the importance of Texas agriculture and how Tuli cattle can play into the mix.

"I think the future is bright for Texas beef producers, and I'll tell you why: Texas' population is growing and Texans are going to eat beef."

Tuli cattle are billed as the missing link between bos taurus and bos indicus cattle.

A bos taurus breed, Tuli cattle have been around for approximately 5,000 years. Originating from South African Sanga cattle, Tulis became favored over other indigenous African breeds because they offered improved fertility, hardiness, adaptability and excellent beef quality despite the harsh and demanding South African climate.

Tulis made their way into Australia in the late 1980s by way of a consortium of Australian cattlemen who were interested in the breed's potential. In 1991, Tuli semen was imported into the United States, and genetic research begun.

For ranchers ready to hang up their hat on a particular cattle breed, Tuli cattle may be just the ticket, the meeting's organizers stressed.

For more information on Tuli cattle: www.tuliassociation.com.