ABSTRACT
Beef cattle producers have at their disposal the most informative, accurate selection tools ever available. These new tools, such as estimated breeding values and sire summaries supply objective information to help both seed stock and commercial producers make better-informed decisions. Breeding value is the value of an individual as a parent. It is the true genetic makeup of an animal for each trait that can be transmitted to its offspring. Maternal Estimated breeding value (EBV) is an estimate of an animal's genetic makeup for maternal influence on weaning weight. A sire affects progeny weaning weights through growth genetics, while a cow contributes growth as well as other performance factors such as mothering ability and milk. Young sires that are similar to Bull A and have desirable EBVs and stacked pedigrees can be the basis for building a predictable cow herd without the use of artificial insemination.
