Why Use Santa Gertrudis Genetics?
For commercial cattlemen, using Santa Gertrudis genetics offers versatility and profitability. The versatility of Santa Gertrudis ensures that it is a compatible and profitable cross with a wide variety of breeds. The result of breeding to a Santa Gertrudis bull is a highly marketable feeder calf and an extremely valuable F1 replacement female. Santa Gertrudis F1 females are highly prized among cattlemen, and Santa Gertrudis-influenced females are quickly becoming the beef industry’s commercial female of choice. The breed’s efficiency as feeders and outstanding carcass traits highlights that Santa Gertrudis cattle are competitive and profitable in every sector of the industry.
STAR 5 Program
The Santa Gertrudis grading up program, known as the STAR 5 program, provides SGBI members the ability to progress from a non-Santa Gertrudis-base herd to purebred Santa Gertrudis status. The program consists of three levels. Animals less than purebred will be recorded in the herd book and receive a STAR 5 Recordation Certificate indicating they’re percentage Santa Gertrudis. The program allows multiple sire and/or dam matings.
Level 1
A minimum of 50 percent and less than 75 percent Santa Gertrudis resulting from the mating of a purebred Santa Gertrudis parent and a non-Santa Gertrudis parent or the mating of percentage Santa Gertrudis parents. Level I animals will be recorded as 50 percent Santa Gertrudis, may be male or female, and will receive a STAR 5 percentage recordation certificate.
Level 2
A minimum of 75 percent and less than 87.5 percent Santa Gertrudis resulting from the mating of a purebred Santa Gertrudis parent and a Level I recorded Santa Gertrudis parent. Level II animals will be recorded as 75 percent Santa Gertrudis, may be male or female, and will receive a STAR 5 percentage recordation certificate.
Level 3
A minimum of 87.5 percent Santa Gertrudis resulting from the mating of a purebred Santa Gertrudis parent and a Level II recorded Santa Gertrudis parent. Level III animals will be registered as purebred Santa Gertrudis, may be male or female, and will receive a purebred registration certificate. Eligible cattle must be from one registered Santa Gertrudis parent. These offspring are a first cross and are eligible for a STAR 5 recorded paper. They can also be in the program for grading up to purebred status. These cattle do not need to be inspected by a representative of the association.
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Purebred breeders and commercial cattlemen alike are finding significant value in Santa Gertrudis F1 females.
