BeefCattleBreedingProgramsL7

• Breeding Programme


  Development of a breeding objective, choice of selection criteria, development of a pedigree/performance record, genetic evaluation of cattle, use of selected animals
• Breeding Objectives


  List of traits for improvement with economic worth
• What is the first step in developing a breeding objective?

  Specify the breeding, production, and marketing system
• What should be identified in order to develop a breeding objective?

  Sources of income and expenses
• What should be determined to develop a breeding objective?

  Biological traits influencing income and expense should be determined to develop a breeding objective.
• What should be derived for each trait in the future?

  Relative economic values for each trait
• What determines future profit?

  Biological and economic contributions
• How are biological contributions described?

  With EBV obtained from analysis of performance records.
• How are economic contributions derived?


  Future production, management and economic considerations (Index Selection)
• What are economic values defined as?

  A change in profit for a unit change in biological trait, all other traits held constant.
• What are some important traits for Angus breeders for all progeny slaughtered?

  Calving ease, dressing %, post-weaning gain , sellable meat yield, and fat color
• What are some important traits for Angus breeders for some traits heifers retained?

  Calving ease, post-weaning gain, sellable meat yield, bull serving capacity, pre-weaning growth rate
• What are some important traits for Simmental breeders for all progeny slaughtered?

  Serving capacity, bull libido, calving ease, semen production, LW gain
• What are some important traits for Simmental breeders for some traits heifers retained?


  Cow fertility (get calf in), cow fertility (rebreeding), calving ease, calf survival, maternal ability
• What are some important traits for Hereford breeders for all progeny slaughtered?

  Bull fertility, short gestation length, calving ease, bull temperament
• What are some important traits for Hereford breeders for some traits heifers retained?

  Cow fertility (rear a live calf), bull fertility, LW gain to sale age, cow milking ability, bull temperament
• What is required to encourage selection for carcass and meat quality traits in the meat industry?

  What is required to encourage selection for carcass and meat quality traits in the meat industry?
• What influences and how does selection objectives vary in cattle breeding?

  Different perspectives, roles, production systems, industry viewpoints, and target markets
• What should an industry approach to selection objectives consider in cattle breeding?

  Needs of producers and consumers with different targets and needs
• Industry breeding structures determine the difference in genetic merit between seedstock and "commercial" animals, which in turn influence the cost-effectiveness of applying genetic and reproductive technologies. These structures are determined by farmer practices and market forces rather than scientific ideals.
• The beef cattle industry includes individual breeders make their own decisions, although they may be influenced by breed societies. Commerical farmers make choices by selecting breeders, and a breeder making good choices should have many clients. The industry also includes the bull breeding (nucleus and multiplier) and bull buying sectors
• What is the impact of selection decisions in the bull breeding sector on the livestock industry?

  Production and meat quality aspects of all sectors in the livestock industry
• What is the key factor for maximizing economic benefits from selection in a breeding program?

  Should be oriented towards improving cattle for traits of economic importance
• What is the criterion for selecting individuals in a breeding program for maximizing economic benefits?

  Genetically superior individuals should be selected
• What's the genetic lag between bull breeder and commercial farmer buying bulls?

  ~2 generations (4-5 yrs)