1. Have Phenotypic Trends for Carcass Traits Followed Genetic Trends?
Dan W. Moser
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
Kansas State University, Manhattan

5. Reasons Why? Market conditions More calf feds Harvesting younger
Pounds still drive profit
Implants
Drought
Select grade results in fewer no rolls
Graders

6. All the previous “excuses” assume genetic improvement has been masked by management.

7. Angus Carcass Genetic Trend

8. Hereford Carcass Genetic Trend

9. Limousin Carcass Genetic Trend

10. Gelbvieh Carcass Genetic Trend

11. Why has genetic progress been so slow?
Response per generation =
Heritability X Selection Differential

12. Why has genetic progress been so slow?
Generation interval is +/- 5 years
Add another generation from seedstock to commercial cattle.
Variation within breeds is limited
A significant segment of every breed still ignores carcass traits

13. How can we speed genetic progress?
Collect more carcass and ultrasound data
Use breed differences to increase rate of change in hybrids/composites
At some point, DNA technology may increase accuracy of selection for young animals

14. How can we speed phenotypic progress?
Use appropriate breed combinations in crossbreeding systems
50% British, 50% continental optimizes quality and yield grade

15. Do Trends Need to Change?
Depends on supply/demand ratios of various product specifications
Better yield grades are always desirable
Grid factors should better reflect true value differences
Next round of the cattle cycle?

21. Questions/Comments?