A variety of factors can determine how producers select for their herds. Although a plethora of available tools can assist in herd selection, John Evans, of Oklahoma State University, said producers often just select for the popular trait at the time; practice independent culling or ad hoc selection; and select to maximize production, regardless of shrinking net profit.

“Producers oftentimes comment to me that they don’t even know where to begin. There’s just a tremendous number of tools out there to use … They do get that overwhelming feeling sometimes because of all the information,” Evans told the crowd gathered at the selection decisions roundtable discussion May 27 at the 2004 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) annual meeting in Sioux Falls, S.D.

In an effort to simplify the selection process, selection index technology was introduced in 1943 to simultaneously apply selection pressure to multiple traits, also assigning economic value.

“Theoretically, the indexes should maximize genetic progress, with emphasis on profitability, and simplify net merit,” Evans noted.

After reviewing some of the selection indexes available from leading breed associations, he described the benefits of such tools. However, Evans noted the diversity of the beef industry and the dangers of a one-size-fits-all philosophy, saying, “[the concept of selection indexes] does not replace the exercise of establishing goals of the breeding program and breeding objectives.”

Also during the roundtable discussion, Dorian Garrick, of Colorado State University, explained indicator traits and their effect on economically relevant traits — traits that directly influence profit. By understanding ERTs, Garrick said, producers can select appropriate expected progeny differences (EPDs) to make better selection decisions. For example, birth weight is an indicator trait that helps predict calving ease. If wanting to reduce calving difficulty, Garrick explained, selecting for calving ease EPD rather than birth weight EPD would allow producers to reduce calving difficulty in less time with fewer consequences on weaning weight.

Burke Teichert, general manager of Rex Ranch, also discussed an ear-notching system that uses fertility, disposition, preg-test weights and more to cull his low-maintenance cow herd, while John Pollak explained how such practices could affect herd longevity and adaptability.

Burke Teichert discusses selection decisions and the strict culling regimen he employs as general manager of Rex Ranch. “We cull most cows based on fertility and function of adaptability to environment,” he told the crowd gathered in Sioux Falls, S.D., for the 2004 Beef Improvement Federation annual research symposium and annual meeting.

John Pollak, of Cornell University, discusses cow longevity and adaptability and how such traits change with different environments.

Dorian Garrick, of Colorado State University, explained indicator traits and their effect on economically relevant traits during the selection decisions roundtable discussion May 27. By understanding ERTs, producers can select appropriate EPDs to make better selection decisions, he said.

– by Crystal Albers