Trait Definitions

EnviroBeef (%)

EBVs across National Beef Evaluations

Negative values = Progeny will have a reduced carbon footprint

By selecting for more negative Envirobeef values it is expected that a reduction in carbon footprint will be seen. For example, a score of -10% suggests that there is the potential to reduce carbon footprint by 10% when compared with the GB average.

Days to slaughter (days)

Birth and kill dates from BCMS and processors

Negative values = Progeny quicker to slaughter

Selection for lower days to slaughter will result in animals that will finish quicker at a constant weight and fat class

Carcase weight (kg)

Cold carcase weights from processors.

Positive values = Heavier carcases

Selection for higher carcase weights will result in animals that produce heavier carcases at a constant slaughter age

Carcase conformation (45 point scale)

EUROP conformation scores from processors, converted to a 45 point scale.
A grade spans 9 points.

Positive values = Higher carcase conformation

Selecting for higher carcase conformation will increase the yield of lean meat in the carcase

Carcase fat class (45 point scale)

EUROP fat class scores from processors, converted to a 45 point scale.
A grade spans 9 points.

Positive values = fatter carcases

Selecting for higher fat class values will increase the level of fat cover on the carcase

Average daily carcase gain (kg/day)

Kg of Carcase weight per day to slaughter.

Carcase weight and age at slaughter data from processors, using date of birth data from BCMS. 

Positive values = higher carcase growth rates

Selecting for positive ADCG will produce animals that gain carcase weight more quickly

Age at first calving (days)

Birth and calving dates from BCMS

Negative values = Puberty reached at an earlier age

Selecting for lower age at first calving will result in animals that are more likely to hold service at a younger age

Calving interval (days)

Calving data from BCMS

Negative values = shorter calving interval

By selecting for shorter calving interval, the number of days between successive calvings is reduced, cows get back in calf quicker and are more likely to hold the next pregnancy

Productive lifespan (parities)

Birth, calving and death dates from BCMS

Positive values = Longer breeding life

The number of calvings in the first 6.5 years of live, or until death, whichever comes first.
Selecting for higher productive lifespan should produce animals that can be kept in the breeding herd for longer

Calf survival (%)

Birth and death dates from BCMS

Positive values = higher survival rates

The calf survival EBV is based on the alive or dead status of tagged calves at 10 months of age. Selecting on positive values will result in calves more likely to survive between tagging and 10 months of age

Mature cow weight (kg)

Cull cow carcase weights from processors, corrected using grade, age and calving data from BCMS.

Negative values = Progeny will have a lower mature weight

By selecting for a lower mature cow weight, we would expect that the progeny produced will be of a lower mature weight, requiring less inputs. This should be balanced with carcase weight EBVs, ensuring animals fit the system.