Evaluating Genetic Selection in U.S. Beef Production

The U.S. beef industry has experienced significant advancements in genetics, management, and nutrition, allowing for increased beef production despite a declining cow herd. This trend is characterized by improved growth potential in breeding cows, leading to higher hot carcass weights, which have risen by approximately four pounds annually since 1977. As a result, producers are now able to generate more beef from fewer cows, with the U.S. calf crop numbers continuing to decline from 1977 to 2025.

Drovers

In the context of beef production, bull selection plays a crucial role in determining calf performance. Producers typically prioritize growth traits such as weaning weight (WW) and yearling weight (YW) when selecting bulls. For instance, Bull A, with superior growth and milking traits, would be favored for producers selling calves as feeders. However, the decision becomes more complex when considering the retention of replacement females, as larger and higher-milking cows require significantly more feed, impacting overall profitability.

Drovers

The profitability of beef production can be summarized by the equation: Revenue – Expenses = Profit. When retaining replacement females, the genetic traits of bulls influence both revenue through calf performance and expenses, particularly feed costs. Larger cows, while potentially yielding heavier calves, also demand more nutrients, leading to increased feed costs. A 2019 meta-analysis indicated that each additional pound of mature cow weight correlates with only a 0.06-pound increase in calf weaning weight, suggesting that the economic benefits of larger cows may not justify the associated feed costs.

Drovers

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), maintaining an additional 100 pounds of mature cow weight necessitates approximately 600 pounds of high-quality forage annually. In regions like Nebraska, where forage costs are among the highest in the nation, this translates to a breakeven forage cost that often exceeds the value of the additional calf weight produced. The estimated cost of this forage ranges from $32 to $47, further complicating the financial viability of selecting larger, higher-milking cows.

Drovers

While immediate benefits from bull selection may be evident when selling feeder calves, the long-term implications of retaining replacement females may not manifest until those females reach maturity, typically five years post-birth. Therefore, producers are advised to consider selecting bulls with moderate mature weight and milk expected progeny differences (EPDs) to enhance long-term cow-calf efficiency and profitability. This approach aims to mitigate unnecessary feed costs while maintaining performance levels that align with available resources.

Drovers

In summary, while advancements in genetics have enabled increased beef production, the economic implications of selecting larger, higher-milking cows necessitate careful consideration. Producers must balance immediate gains against long-term feed costs and overall herd efficiency to ensure sustainable profitability in the U.S. beef industry.

Drovers