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Using genetic tools to meet market targets without sacrificing maternal performance

Animal and Range Sciences Department, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717

¹ Correspondence: E-mail: mwtess{at}montana.edu.

Abstract

Changes in beef production/marketing systems are creating incentives for beef producers to improve carcass quality. Current grid marketing schemes are characterized by premiums for carcasses that excel for marbling and(or) retail product and by large discounts for noncompliance factors. Economic incentives for producers to select for tenderness may be on the horizon. Effective tools are available for producers to genetically tailor cattle to specific markets. New DNA markers for carcass trait QTL will help cattle producers identify genetically superior animals at younger ages. Markers will be used most efficiently when marker genotype information is incorporated directly into the computation of EPD, and after potential epistatic interactions and genotype x environment interactions are characterized for each QTL. Limited research has not identified risks associated with maternal performance due to selection for increased marbling or tenderness. However, selection for increased lean yield carries risks of older age at puberty, increased mature size, decreased fertility, and possibly increased maternal calving difficulty. Systems research indicates that reduced fertility would have large negative effects on profitability. To avoid detrimental effects on maternal traits, genetic management should consider EPD for multiple traits as part of a systems approach. Managers will deal with increasing amounts of information and detailed monitoring of production costs will become increasingly important to success. Structured crossbreeding, exploiting heterosis and breed strengths, should be used to increase profitability of production systems. Management strategies to reduce phenotypic variation in market groups and to match genetic potential with nutritional management are expected to increase competitiveness in grid marketing schemes.