Multi-trait selection indexes take center stage

Attendees of the cow herd efficiency roundtable focused on a relatively new maintenance expect progeny difference (EPD) and indexes developed by several breed associations to assist in multi-trait selection. The roundtable was a part of the 2004 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) research symposium Thursday, May 27.

– by Shauna Rose Hermel

Lowell Gould presented producer reaction to the mature cow maintenance energy requirement (ME) EPD adopted by the Red Angus Association of America. Gould said in a survey of 10 members, 80% said they had used the EPD to rank bulls, all considered it a useful tool for cow herd efficiency when combined with other traits, and 50% said their customers had asked about the EPD. All those surveyed thought the EPD could be used to meet customer needs, but they cautioned that it would take time.

The American Gelbvieh Association unveiled the beef industry’s first index in 2001. The “old” Grid Merit index was modified to divide out Feedlot Merit and Grid Merit indexes.

Robert Williams presented the American International Charolais Association’s Terminal Sire Profitability Index. Described as a decision support tool for commercial cattlemen, the index serves the purposes of: • simplifying genetic selection; • improving the ability for bull customers to locate bulls within a geographic area; • improving the visibility of AICA registered Charolais bulls through the Internet; and • leveling the playing field between small- and large-scale seedstock producers. For more information, visit www.charolaisusa.com.

The American Angus Association established the first of what it expects to be a suite of bio-economic indexes in answer to requests from commercial cattlemen for a way to simplify multi-trait selection, explained Sally Northcutt, director of genetic research. Last fall the American Angus Association released three $Value Indexes — feedlot value ($F), grid value ($G) and beef value ($B) — expressed in $ per head differences. Northcutt said the Association is finalizing a weaned calf index ($W) that it intends to release within the year. For more information, visit www.angus.org.

Just because it's hard, doesn't mean we shouldn't do it, said Mike MacNeil, USDA-ARS, in regard to establishing selection indexes tied to economic parameters. And while mistakes will be made, they won't cost producres that much because they're not just chasing one trait.