Terminal (“the market”) breeding programs choose sires (bulls) with traits that fetch a premium in a particular market (e.g. feeder/packer or show steer…).
Typically under this scenario, the offspring are moved to environments (e.g. feedlot) that maximize their genetic potential for the intended marketplace.
Terminal bull breeding programs are the exception. Under this scenario, replacement cattle are selected based on terminal market traits with the understanding that the rancher may need to help the cows overcome environmental challenges. For example, a terminal bull’s dam (mother) may have nutritional requirements greater than what she can get from grazing in the native environment.
To overcome this limitation, the ranch can supplement with feed. This makes economic sense when terminal bull sales outweigh the cost of supplementing the cow.