Selection Tools for Beef Cattle Improvement

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Selection Tools for Beef Cattle Improvement
AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION
2005 National Angus Conference September 27, 2005

• Sally L. Northcutt
• Genetic Research Director

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The evolution of livestock measurement
AVERAGE DAILY GAIN
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AHIR Data Management
TurningData Into...
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...Decision Making Tools...
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Capturing Value Through Genetics

• Calving Ease
• Cow Size/Milk
• Growth/Efficiency
• Carcass Merit

Very rarely is an effective breeding program
based solely on a single trait.
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...Decision Making Tools...
Solutions for Commercial Bull Buyers

• Bridges for the Information Gap
• Selection Tools, Commercial Programs, Data
  Management

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Outputs create Revenue
Inputs generate Expense
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What are Indexes?
INDEX -- A combination and weighting of multiple
traits and their relative economic impact into
one value that can be used to rank animals.

• Challenging to Develop
• Simplistic to Use
• Directional Change in Multiple Traits

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AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION
Value Indexes
Weaned Calf W
Postweaning F G B
Cow Energy EN
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Key Components
Feedlot Value (F)

• WW and YW EPDs and their relationship
• Projected ADG
• Value
• Costs
• Feed Consumption and Cost Differences

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Key Components
Grid Value (G)

• End Product
• Carcass EPDs
• Ultrasound EPDs
• Quality Grade
• Yield Grade

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Feedlot Value (F)
Grid Value (G)
Beef Value (B)
per head difference
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How to Find Them
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Weaned Calf Index (W)
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W Weaned Calf Value
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Producer Questions

• Where do I find Breed Averages?

www.angus.org
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Cow Energy Value (EN)
Energy Savings
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• Cow Maintenance Energy Requirements
• Mature Size Milk EPDs
• Savings Impact
• /Cow/Year

Higher Values are more favorable.
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Using W and EN Consider Feed Resources
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Interactive
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STEP 1
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Help Screen
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STEP 2
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Help Screen
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STEP 3
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