An index to assist multiple trait selection of terminal beef sires in the UK

P. Amer and G. Simm

AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel.

E-Mail:amerp@agresearch.cri.nz

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1997, 57: 15-18

A selection index which incorporates estimated breeding values of traits recorded in UK pedigree beef cattle breeds is described. The breeding objective is made up of growth and carcass traits, calving ease and gestation length.

The selection index is described in terms of the reduction in expected genetic response from selection on the index when individual recorded traits are omitted, the percentage contributions of recorded traits to variability in index scores, as well as the expected genetic responses in breeding objective traits with selection on the index. When all available traits have been recorded, calving traits explain approximately 30% of variability in index scores, with the remainder explained by growth and carcass traits.

The total index, along with two sub-indexes for calving and production traits are scheduled to be implemented in Britain, along with the additional multi-trait estimates of animal breeding values required in 1997.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; beef cattle; selection index; terminal sire.

Last Updated 12-09-1998