Top Dollar Angus recently completed a small-scale project which illustrates how genetically superior feeder cattle can be created in one generation. We started with a single beef cow, tag number 474, who has mediocre genetics for growth and carcass traits. Her Igenity Beef® scores averaged 5 out of 10 for Average Daily Gain, Hot Carcass Weight, Marbling and Ribeye Area. 474’s Average Daily Gain score is favorable at 7 out of 10. However, she’s average or below for the other three traits. This cow qualifies as an “okay” starting point for breeding genetically valuable feeder calves. Not great, but not bad either.
Enter GAR Combustion (AAA 18943322), an elite Angus growth and carcass sire from Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland, KS. This bull’s Yearling Weight and Carcass Weight EPDs rank in the Angus breed’s top 20% and 15%, respectively. He is also ranks in top 2% for Marbling and top 25% for Ribeye Area. Over several years, we produced three calves by mating GAR Combustion to 474. Each of the calves was DNA tested with Igenity Beef. Results are shown in the table below for the downstream traits that matter most to cattle feeders.
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When Igenity Beef data is available, a 4-trait average score of 6.0 or higher is required for Top Dollar Angus qualification. All three of the Combustion x 474 calves met the necessary genetic threshold and are therefore Top Dollar Angus eligible. These calves possess a superior combination of growth and carcass traits, which rank them in the top 25% of all cattle in the industry. They earned this strong ranking despite their dam being genetically mediocre and a non-qualifier for Top Dollar Angus. The improvement in Marbling is especially worth highlighting, moving up from 4 (dam’s score) to 8 out of 10 on all three of her calves.
Even in today’s technologically-advanced industry, rarely is this type of data available that quantifies genetic advancement from one generation to the next. This case study’s headcounts are small, but it well illustrates how measurable genetic progress can be accomplished in one generation by using the right genetic inputs.
The starting line here was a genetically mediocre cow, while the end result is a group of Top Dollar Angus-qualified calves that would be excellent to feed and harvest on a value-based grid. Yes, creating genetically superior feeder calves is possible in one generation.
Note: Neogen has conducted extensive research to document the positive correlation between Igenity Beef scores and real-world feedlot and carcass performance. For more information, contact Neogen or Top Dollar Angus.
