The quality of the bull used on the farm is one of the major factors which will determine the economic viability of a beef producer's business, especially at todays prices.
Information is now available which can aid bull selection.
These are determined by the animal's own performance and also that of its relatives. To maximise financial gain it would be best to select bulls with a mixture of positive and negative trait values, as highlighted. The EBVs associated with cattle performance and carcase quality. Poorer muscling Fat Depth mm Fatter carcase Leaner carcase Each EBV has an associated accuracy value expressed as a percentage point ranging from 1 to 100. To simplify selection decisions these values have been combined into a multi-trait selection index, known as the Beef Value Index.