Evaluation of advanced industry breeding schemes for Australian beef cattle. II. Selection on combinations of growth, reproduction and carcase criteria

Abstract

Eight beef breeding schemes, requiring different levels of performance recording of young cattle, were evaluated for their genetic gains and economic parameters: costs, return and profit. A population 20 times the size of the breeding unit was assumed. Schemes which utilized performance recording beyond traditional weight measurements were more profitable. The fertility measures, days to calving and scrotal circumference, were the most cost effective additional selection criteria. For the fertility measures, costs increased by $0.90 per cow in the breeding unit, while profit per cow in the total population increased by $2.17. More intensive performance recording lead to a more balanced genetic gain, especially in carcase and fertility traits. Mature weight is expected to increase in all schemes evaluated, with a consequent negative effect on the $ gain.