Many cattlemen across the
country have learned first-hand about the qualities of the purebred Murray Grey herd that
make them an extremely easy breed to raise. Many more cattlemen have also learned
about the positive qualities of the Greys in a commercial herd when used on first calf
heifers. The ease of calving along with the fast rate of gain allow the commercial
breeder to get the first-calf heifer on stream with little stress on the heifer and then
have a positive return on the marketable calf. The success of these calves has led
to the use of Murray Grey bulls on the cow herd with equal success.
Perhaps the biggest advantage
to be gained from cross-breeding is the ability to quickly change the progeny of the
breeding herd to make them more acceptable to buyers and therefore create a stronger
demand for higher prices. Murray Grey bulls have been used to accomplish this with
their dominant traits. Many commercial cattlemen have been amazed at the success of
their Grey cross calves,
not only as calves but through backgrounding and on to the feedlot. The retained
heifers also impress the owners with their ability to be top performers in the cow
herd. The results over Herefords, Brahman, Limousin, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis,
Brangus, etc., have all been consistent and positive.
 Photograph courtesy of Lindale Murray Greys
Glenns Ferry, Idaho |
Brangus/Murray
Grey Cross
Reserve Grand Champion
Heavy Weight Steer/Grand Champion
Carcass
|
| Murray
Grey/Limousin Cross 1993 FFA Reserve
Champion Middle Weight Steer |
 Photograph
courtesy of Lindale Murray Greys
Glenns Ferry, Idaho |
Outstanding results have come
from using Murray Grey bulls on British,
European and Bos indicus herds. Not only is the hybrid vigor factor obtained,
but you also gain the following advantages:
CALVING EASE
Murray Greys are renowned for
their ease of calving . . . the calves
are small and get to their feet and
start nursing immediately. They
thrive and grow quickly.
|
 Photograph courtesy of Rafter L Murray Greys
Vernal, Utah
|
 Photograph courtesy of Lindale Murray Greys
Glenns Ferry, Idaho
|
SKIN PIGMENTATION
Under the Silver Grey, Dun or
Black
coat is a skin of dark pigmentation.
This is important in preventing eye
cancer and sun damage. |
NATURAL POLLS
Murray Greys are naturally
polled
and experience has shown that this characteristic is passed on to over
90% of the progeny when bred to
horned cattle. No more dehorning
and there is less bruising.
|
 Hereford with Murray Grey Cross
Calf
Photograph courtesy of Flying E
Ranch
Wickenburg, Arizona
|
 |
TEMPERAMENT
Murray Greys are quiet, easily
handled cattle. They adapt to new environments
and settle in well. That's why they
settle in quickly at feedlots and get on
with the job of converting feed into
quality beef.
<- Murray Grey
Cross Steers
Photograph courtesy of
Simplot Land & Livestock
Grandview, Idaho |
MILKING ABILITY
Just look at the udders on
lactating Murray Grey cows . . . there are no bottle teats, there is milk in all
quarters, and you will not see a
broken down udder. The compact,
well attached udder provides ample
milk through to weaning.
|
 Photograph
courtesy of Lindale Murray Greys
Glenns Ferry, Idaho
|
 Murray Grey/Hereford Cross
Photograph courtesy of Lindale
Murray Greys
Glenns Ferry, Idaho
|
GROWTH RATE/FEED
CONVERSION
Murray Greys are efficient
producers
of quality beef. Weight gains in
feedlots based on feed consumption
have been outstanding. Retained
ownership programs have proven the Murray Greys to be tops in efficiency
and profitability. |
MEETING TODAY'S CARCASS DEMANDS
Murray Grey carcasses are known
to
be extremely well-balanced for both muscle development and fat cover.
They also possess a moderate level of marbling, which is extremely important in today's
marketplace. Larry
Roberts of IBP recently reported
that on a 247 head total of crossbred Murray Grey steers, 87.85% graded choice or prime,
yield grade one or two. |
 Murray Grey Cross Calves
Photo courtesy of Flying E Ranch
Wickenburg, Arizona
|
 Idaho
A to Z Retained Ownership Program
This Murray Grey Graded Choice Plus
Photograph courtesy of
Lindale Murray Greys
Glenns Ferry, Idaho |
MODERATION
Murray Greys are moderate in
size.
Calves that meet the Northwest
Murray Grey breed standards range
from 60 to 80 pounds at birth.
Mature cows ideally range from 1000
to 1200 pounds and mature bulls
around 2000 pounds. These produce
fed steers at the weights desired by
the packers and are especially
appropriate for the boxed beef market. |
