A selection index for beef production capacity of performance-tested young bulls in A.I. in Dutch dual-purpose breeds

Abstract

Selection indices for beef production capacity of performance-tested young bulls in A.I. were studied. The breeding goal was defined as growth rate, feed conversion, fleshiness, and birth weight of veal calves and beef bulls. As Black and White calves were used for veal production and Red and Whites (MRY) for both veal and bull beef, separate indices were constructed for the two breeds. The final indices include growth rate, feed conversion, fleshiness and gestation length. The standard deviation of the index is Dfl. 27.20 for the Black and Whites and Dfl. 36.40 for the Red and Whites. Net returns per cow from one round of selection summed over 25 years are calculated at Dfl. 8.00 to Dfl. 10.00.