Understanding the Cow-Calf, Feedlot-Carcase and Total Breeding Values
Angus HeiferSELECT provides three values based on economic selection indexes modelling being:
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 overall profitability in the majority of commercial systems selecting Angus females.
The Cow-Calf Value is a sub-index (i.e. component) of the Total Breeding Value.
Trait Emphasis for the Cow-Calf Value (CCV)
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 overall profitability in the majority of commercial systems selecting Angus females with progeny entering grain finishing supply chain.
The Feedlot-Carcase Value is a sub-index (i.e. component) of the Total Breeding Value.
Trait Emphasis for the Feedlot-Carcase Value (FCV)
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 systems selecting Angus females.
The Cow-Calf Value and Feedlot-Carcase value are sub-indexes (i.e. components) of the Total Breeding Value.
Trait Emphasis for the Total Breeding Value (TBV)
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.
- Heifer Conception is not yet included in any HeiferSELECT Indexes.
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).
