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ARS Home » Plains Area » Miles City, Montana » Livestock and Range Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #107902
Title: LOOKING AT BREEDER OBLIGATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS IN PERFORMANCE TESTING

Author
item Macneil, Michael

Submitted to: Beef Improvement Federation Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: MACNEIL, M.D. LOOKING AT BREEDER OBLIGATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS IN PERFORMANCE TESTING. BEEF IMPROVEMENT FEDERATION PROCEEDINGS. 1999. p. 131-134.

Interpretive Summary: Seedstock is produced for the genetic potential they can transmit to future offspring. Performance testing is the mechanism through which seedstock producers of beef cattle can make genetic improvement. However, a number of seedstock breeders do not participate in breed association sponsored performance testing and genetic evaluation programs. There are two apparent reasons for this lack of participation: confusion of breeders as to their obligations in these programs and failure of the programs to meet breeder expectations. Full participation in these programs lowers the per breeder and per animal costs of implementation and creates the perception of a commitment to excellence. Accurate and timely reporting of parentage, contemporary groups, and measures of performance are further obligations of breeders. In return, breeders expect to receive timely, consistent, and state-of- the-art genetic evaluations for traits that influence profitability. It is apparent that a stronger partnership of breeders and breed associations can result in a clearer understanding of what genetic change constitutes genetic improvement and more rapid genetic improvement of beef cattle than has occurred to date.

Technical Abstract: Seedstock is produced for the genetic potential they can transmit to future offspring. Performance testing is the mechanism through which seedstock producers of beef cattle can make genetic improvement. However, a number of seedstock breeders do not participate in breed association sponsored performance testing and genetic evaluation programs. There are two apparent reasons for this lack of participation: confusion of breeders as to their obligations in these programs and failure of the programs to meet breeder expectations. Full participation in these programs lowers the per breeder and per animal costs of implementation and creates the perception of a commitment to excellence. Accurate and timely reporting of parentage, contemporary groups, and measures of performance are further obligations of breeders. In return, breeders expect to receive timely, consistent, and state-of- the-art genetic evaluations for traits that influence profitability. It is apparent that a stronger partnership of breeders and breed associations can result in a clearer understanding of what genetic change constitutes genetic improvement and more rapid genetic improvement of beef cattle than has occurred to date.