The reality of twins in beef cattle

The concept of improving the rate of reproduction in beef cattle by selection for an increased rate of twinning has been debated with both optimism and pessimism since the early days of animal breeding.

With the success of selection for multiple births in sheep, there was hope that the technique would also work in cattle. In general, however, beef cattle farmers have been opposed to twin births due to the number of problems associated with twinning. Successful reproduction in a cow-calf production system is the cornerstone of biological and economic efficiency.

Cattle evaluations have focused mainly on production traits, and genetic improvement in reproductive traits through the use of selection tools has been limited. It is globally accepted, however, that from an or , animal class and location. The interaction between environment, health, genetic factors and management also has a major influence on reproductive performance.