Page 10 - Lime Hills Herefords Catalogue ebook

RIB FAT AND RUMP FAT EBVS (MM) are calculated from measurements of subcutaneous fat depth at the 12/13-rib site and the P8 rump
site (from live animal ultrasound scans and from abattoir carcases) and are adjusted to a standard 300 kg carcase. These EBVs are
indicators of the genetic differences in fat distribution on a standard 300 kg carcase. Sires with low, or negative, fat EBVs are expected
to produce leaner progeny at any particular carcase weight than will sires with higher EBVs.
INTRAMUSCULAR FAT EBV (%) is an estimate of the genetic difference in the percentage of intramuscular fat at the 12/13th rib site in
a 300 kg carcase. Depending on market targets, larger more positive values are generally more favourable.

SELECTION INDEXES
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.
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.

10 LIMEHILLS POLLED HEREFORD