Chapter 6, Planning a Genetics Program - Kentucky Beef Book

As a breeder, you control the genetic make up of your beef cattle herd. An important goals as a breeder is to maximize your cattle’s genetics with your resources and environment. The selection of bulls and heifers, and the breeding system used, dictate the genetic quality of the calf crop. It is important that you understand and use the principles and tools of genetic improvement. Therefore you need to have a genetic plan. Chapter 6 of the Kentucky Beef Book explains the process and importance of planning a genetic program. 

Beef Sire Selection Manual

Bull selection presents an important opportunity to enhance the profitability of the beef production enterprise. For several reasons, bull selection is one of the most important producer decisions, and as such requires advance preparation and effort to be successful. To effectively select sires, producers must not only be well versed in the use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD), but they must accurately and objectively assess their current genetics, resources, and management. The beef sire selection manual covers topics like the importance of sire selection; assessing management, resources, and marketing; genetic principles; data collection; expected progeny differences (EPDs); interpretation and use of EPDs; tools for economic improvement beyond EPDs; decision support systems; crossbreeding for commercial beef production; breed and composite selection; and DNA-based biotechnologies.

Crossbreeding for the Commercial Beef Producer

The two primary reasons to crossbreed is 1) heterosis (hybrid vigor), and breed complementarity, meaning that breeds have characteristics that complement each other and fit their environment. Since no one breed is superior in all traits a planned genetics program can significantly increase herd productivity. The article illustrates the benefit and economic importance of crossbreeding for the commercial producer.

Selection and Management Practices to Increase Consistency in Beef Cattle

Uniformity of cattle has long been a goal of commercial beef producers and many times results in a higher price for finished cattle. This publication addresses practices used by seed-stock producers to reduce genetic variation and the management practices available to commercial cow/calf producers for reducing phenotypic variation.

Keeping Production Records for the Beef Herd 

Accurate production records are essential in evaluating the performance of the cow
herd and aiding in making selection decisions. With proper record keeping, evaluations can be made on the reproductive, productive and financial status of the cow herd. Then management and selection practices can be implemented to make improvements where necessary. This fact sheet deals with production and reproduction records.

Using Expected Progeny Differences

One of the most important decisions a cattle operator makes is selecting breeding animals to go into the cattle herd. Basing that decision on the genetic merit of the animal, not just the outward appearance, is critical to the herd’s longterm performance. Genetic changes come slowly. If the wrong decisions are made, it will take a long time to correct them, so it is important not to take selection decisions lightly. When a breeding plan within the herd is being considered, it is important to have long-term goals in mind and make selections toward reaching those goals. Understanding and using EPDs can be an extremely valuable tool in this process.

Kentucky Bull Assessment Tool

The Kentucky Bill Assessment Tool was designed to help beef farmers to select bulls based on their Expected Progeny Differences. There is a Calculator for Buyers to assist beef producers in searching for and purchasing a bull. There is also a for feedstock producers that are determining the best category for their bulls. To assist in the process please refer to the document Beef Sire Selection for Cattle Genetic Improvement Program.