Australian beef cattle breeding objectives

Abstract

<p>BreedObject is the software used to formalise breeding objectives and create the selection indexes produced by BREEDPLAN. The BreedObject breeding objectives and selection indexes allow cattle producers to identify the most profitable cattle genetics for the beef production system modelled by each selection index. Since the release of the latest version (6.2) of the BreedObject software, eight Australian beef cattle breed organisations have implemented 29 new or revised selection indexes. This paper discusses the process by which the selection indexes were developed in conjunction with the relevant breed societies, summarises the EBV emphases applied in these new selection indexes, and discusses the breeder feedback and implications of the selection indexes in the greater industry.</p>