The Total Value balances 7 traits that have an impact on growth, carcase attributes and maternal factors.

The Total Value assists in making “balanced” selection decisions, taking into account the relevant calving ease (birth weight), growth, maternal and carcase attributes to identify animals that are most suitable for use within a particular commercial enterprise. Lower Angus HeiferSELECT Total Values identify heifers which have a balanced gentic profile with focus on cow-calf and carcase genetic merit.

The Total Value, reported in percentiles, includes emphasis on Birth Weight (2%), Weaning Weight (14%), Yearling Weight (12%), Mature Cow Weight (5%), Carcase Weight (30%), Maternal Value (7%), MSA Marbling (30%).

Figure 1 shows the traits that are considered in the Total Value, and how much they contribute to the overall balance of the value. The larger the segment, the greater the impact. 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 1 – Trait Emphasis of Angus HeiferSELECT Total Value

The selection advantage of heifers selected using the Total Value is shown in the below graph. The selection advantage is calculated by ranking all animals currently tested via HeiferSELECT on Total Value and comparing the average genomic predictions of the heifers in the top 10% with the average genomic predictions of all heifers available for selection.

Figure 2 – Selection Advantage of Angus HeiferSELECT Total Value

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).