Angus SteerSELECT provides an overall value being the Angus Steer Value. It balances 5 traits that have an impact on efficiency, production, and profitability in most beef supply chains, particularly those that include lot feeding.    

The Angus Steer Value assists in making “balanced” selection decisions to identify animals that have the genetic potential to suit specific beef supply chains. Lower Angus Steer Values identify steers which have a balanced genetic profile with focus on beef quantity and quality. 

The Angus Steer Value, reported in percentiles, includes emphasis on Yearling Weight (20%), Carcass Weight (35%), Eye Muscle Area (10%), MSA Marbling (35%).

Figure 1. Trait Emphasis of the Angus Steer Value

Figure 1 shows the traits that are considered in the Angus Steer Value, 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 Angus Steer Value, there is a focus on increasing the beef quantity (carcase weight, EMA) and quality (Marbling), while improving growth (Yearling Weight).  

Figure 2. Selection Advantage of the Angus Steer Value

The selection advantage of steers selected using the Angus Steer Value is shown in the below graph. The selection advantage is calculated by ranking all animals currently tested via SteerSELECT™ on Angus Steer Value, and comparing the average genomic predictions of the steers in the top 10% with the average genomic predictions of all steers available for selection.