Angus HeiferSELECT Overall Values
Angus HeiferSELECT provides three overall values based on economic selection index modelling being Cow-Calf Value (CCV), Feedlot and Carcase Value (FCV) and Total Breeding Value (TBV). Additionally, the TBV is also reported in an easy to understand 0-5 star rating.
Cow-Calf Value (CCV)
Cow-Calf Value (CCV) estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability in a typical commercial Angus self-replacing herd, focusing on the traits related to the cow-calf production system.
The Cow-Calf Value assists in making “balanced” selection decisions, taking into account the relevant calving ease, growth and maternal attributes to identify animals that are most suitable for use within a particular commercial enterprise.
Higher Cow-Calf Value genetic predictions identifies animals that will improve profitability through the traits related to the cow-calf production system.
The Cow-Calf Value is a sub-index (i.e. component) of the Total Breeding Value.
Figure 1 shows the traits that are considered in the CCV, and how much they contribute to the overall balance of the value. The larger the segment, the greater the impact on the selection index. In the CCV, the main focus is increasing Heifer Conception, along with weaning and yearling weight, while maintaining calving ease, mature cow weight and carcase traits.
Figure 2 shows the selection advantage if heifers are selected using the CCV. The selection advantage is calculated by ranking a group of Angus heifers on CCV, and comparing the average genetic predictions of the heifers in the top 30% with the average genetic predictions of all heifers available for selection.
Feeder-Carcase Value
Feedlot-Carcase Value (FCV) estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability in a typical commercial Angus self-replacing herd, focusing on the traits related to feedlot and processor performance, along with consumer expectations.
The Feedlot-Carcase Value assists in making “balanced” selection decisions, taking into account the relevant growth, feed intake and carcase attributes to identify animals that are most suitable for use within a particular commercial enterprise.
Higher Feedlot-Carcase Value genetic predictions identifies animals that will improve profitability for the traits related to feedlot and processor performance, along with consumer expectations.
The Feedlot-Carcase Value is a sub-index (i.e. component) of the Total Breeding Value.
Figure 3 shows the traits that are considered in the FCV, and how much they contribute to the overall balance of the value. The larger the segment, the greater the impact on the selection index. In the FCV, there is a focus on increasing MSA marbling and carcass weights while maintaining maternal traits and reducing daily feed intake.
Figure 4 shows the selection advantage if heifers are selected using the FCV. The selection advantage is calculated by ranking a group of Angus heifers on FCV, and comparing the average genetic predictions of the heifers in the top 30% with the average genetic predictions of all heifers available for selection.
Total Breeding Value
Total Breeding Value (TBV) estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability in a typical commercial Angus self-replacing herd with progeny entering the grain finishing supply chain.
The Total Breeding Value assists in making “balanced” selection decisions, taking into account the relevant calving ease, growth, feed intake and carcase attributes to identify animals that are most suitable for use within a particular commercial enterprise.
Higher Total Breeding Value genetic predictions identifies animals that will improve overall profitability in the majority of commercial, self-replacing, grain finishing beef production system.
The Cow-Calf Value and Feedlot-Carcase value are sub-indexes (i.e. components) of the Total Breeding Value.
Figure 5 shows the traits that are considered in the TBV, and how much they contribute to the overall balance of the value. The larger the segment, the greater the impact on the selection index. In the TBV, there is a focus on increasing growth resulting in heavier carcase weights and more MSA marbling, while maintaining calving ease and mature cow weight.
Figure 6 shows the selection advantage if heifers are selected using the TBV. The selection advantage is calculated by ranking a group of Angus heifers on TBV, and comparing the average genetic predictions of the heifers in the top 30% with the average genetic predictions of all heifers available for selection.
Additional notes to interpret the CCV, FCV and TBV emphasis graphs:
- The weighting emphases shown are based on an average commercial Angus heifer and herd.
- There are several non-linear trait functions included, specifically for calving ease, milk and marbling. For this reason, the trait emphases will vary slightly depending on the genetic prediction value for the animal. For example, a heifer with lower calving ease genetic predictions will see more emphasis applied to calving ease in the CCV and TBV calculations.
- Growth – Post Weaning: includes weaning weight and yearling weight genetic predictions
- Growth – Feedlot: includes yearling weight and carcase weight genetic predictions
Angus Australia acknowledges the funds provided by the Australian Government through the Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company (MDC).
This resource was created as a result of a collaboration between Angus Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company (MDC) (Project P.PSH.1063).
