Page 7 - Foulden Hill Genetics Catalogue ebook

UNDERSTANDING HEREFORD
SELECTION INDEXES

Selection Indexes rank animals for a single production goal - PROFIT.
They take the hard work out of determining how much emphasis to
give each of the available growth, maternal, carcase and fertility EBVs,
when selecting parent animals. An Index is a composite EBV (EBV for
Profit) for traits best suited to a particular production system and/or
target market.
Here are the three breed-specific Indexes for Hereford cattle:

1. Hereford Prime Index
Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability
per mixed age cow joined for a typical self-replacing commercial herd
where Hereford bulls are joined to either Hereford or other British
breed females and targeting the production of grass finished steers for
the Hereford Prime program. Selected heifers are retained for breeding
and so maternal traits are of importance. Steers target 550 kg live weight
(300 kg carcase weight & 7 mm P8 fat) at 20 months of age, and heifers
475 kg (260 kg carcase weight & 8 mm fat depth), at 22 months of age.

2. Beef Heifer Index
Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability
per yearling heifer joined for a typical self-replacing commercial herd
where Hereford bulls are joined to either Hereford or other British breed
heifers. Selected heifers are retained for breeding and so maternal traits
are of importance. Steers target 510 kg live weight (280 kg HSCW and
7 mm P8 fat depth) and heifers 450 kg ( 250 kg HSCW and 8 mm P8
fat depth) at 20 months of age.

3. Dairy Beef Index
Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability
per mixed age dairy cow joined with all progeny destined for slaughter.
Steers and heifer progeny target 550 kg live weight (300 kg carcase weight
and 6 mm fat depth) at 24 months of age and at 475 kg live weight
(260 kg carcase weight and 7 mm fat depth) at 22 months, respectively.

HEALTH & SAFETY
Every effort will be taken by the Vendors, PGG Wrightson, their staff
and assistants, both on the sale day as well as any visits of inspection to
ensure the safety of intending buyers and visitors. We wish however to
advise that while this sale is run under normal management conditions,
certain dangers exist in relation to livestock and their environment.
Visitors should take care to ensure their personal safety. Please no
children are allowed in the viewing pens.

Foulden Hill Genetics 5