Association Perspective

Efficiency is the name of the game.

by Matt Caldwell, American Angus Association

I have been a regional manager for almost 15 years. In that short amount of time, it is truly amazing the advancements the Angus breed has made through member investments in research and technology. The fruit of this labor is available to you in the form of expected progeny differences (EPDs) and dollar value indexes ($Values) to enhance your profitability and your product’s efficiency in the supply chain. Maternal efficiency is what made the Angus breed great — but it is the efficiencies the Angus breed brings to the table on down the supply chain that puts it over the top.

1. 1. MaternalPlus® is a new inventory-based reporting system that will provide fertility and longevity selection tools for the Angus female.
2. 2. The residual average daily gain (RADG) EPD is a feed efficiency tool that predicts gain differences in animals consuming the same amount in the feedyard. With current feed costs, differences in RADG could mean $20-$30 per head in the feedyard.
3. 3. The $Value indexes $W and $B are great tools to multi-trait select for cattle that are efficient in a cow-calf environment and on down the supply chain.
4. 4. DNA technology such as genomic-enhanced EPDs allows us to speed up genetic improvement by identifying superior cattle at a much younger age. DNA also provides a risk-management tool by increasing EPD accuracy of those young animals.
5. 5. GeneMax™ is a new DNA tool for commercial cattle. This test for growth and marbling genetics allows for a new dynamic in selecting replacement heifers that could mean a huge value difference over the productive life of that female.

Angus breeders have the tools available today to ensure a maternally efficient female and guarantee she produces offspring that will be efficient in the feedyard and hit the quality standards for the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand. As we move into bull sale season, use the information available to make selection decisions that will not only enhance your operation’s efficiency, but will also build value down the supply chain. Visit us at www.angus.org for more information.

Editor's Note: Regional Manager Matt Caldwell covers Region 6, including the states of Kansas and Oklahoma. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.

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