Quantifying Differences in Genetic Merit Between Australian Angus Seedstock Herds

Abstract Text: Seedstock breeders involved in the Beef CRC Maternal Productivity Project detailed varying perspectives on the importance of genetic fatness for on-farm productivity. This paper quantifies differences in genetic merit for 10 Angus herds that contributed the majority of the data to the project. Overall differences in genetic merit as assessed by 17 BREEDPLAN EBVs together were relatively small, however important differences were identified. 98% of the variation between herds in genetic merit was accounted for by two principal components, the first relating primarily to carcass traits and the second growth traits. This variation is consistent with outcomes from the qualitative research such that the main differences in genetic merit between herds are associated with fatness. Moreover, differences in genetic merit between herds appear associated with divergence in on-farm management approach and breeder attitude towards selection emphasis for production traits compared with perceived resilience traits.

Keywords:

Beef cattle

Genetics