Using these procedures, the genetic improvement in these traits over the past 50 years will be studied and compared to previous studies on the herd. Several side studies have been conducted over the years. Cancer eye in Hereford cattle, which usually occurs later in life, had been shown to be moderately heritable and can be nearly eliminated through selection. Eye, eyelid and pigmentation around the eye studies show these traits to be highly heritable. Udder shape and teat size and shape is also highly heritable.
Hoof length is highly heritable.
All of these problem traits can be effectively selected against and eliminated from the herd. Cattlemen at high altitudes can use bulls with low PAP values to eliminate this problem from their herd. All bulls sold at the Center are measured for PAP values. In 1985, a project was designed and initiated at the Center which sought to address several questions related to composite cattle crossbreeding. The focal point of the project has been to determine if crossing of phenotypically alike composite lines which differ in breed make-up will work to reduce variation yet produce high levels of heterosis.