height measurements, they should be taken at the same time as the yearling weight. Scrotal measurements are adjusted to a mature dam equivalent and yearling height is adjusted for age. • •
Record the weigh date, actual yearling weight and the yearling management code in the spaces provided on form 3. MyHerd users will have a new to-do list task generated on the MyHerd home screen after weaning information is submitted. Click on the task to report yearling records. See the MyHerd help directory for additional instruction on how to report performance data.
Yearling management and group codes A yearling management code must be reported with each yearling weight. If a calf or group of calves is managed differently from the calf crop a group code should be reported. For instance, calves raised at a different location than the calves raised on the farm should be coded differently. Group codes don’t have to be reported if all the calves were raised in the same place. Weaning group codes should be used to subgroup animals that have the same management code recorded if the calves were managed differently (contemporary grouping).
Yearling management codes 0
Do not ratio
1
Pasture or roughage only
2 3 4
Pasture or roughage with supplement Dry lot with low energy ration Dry lot with high energy ration
5 Fitted Scrotal circumference Scrotal circumference is an important indicator trait for improving 6 Bull test reproductive potential in beef cattle. It is strongly and positively 7 Other correlated with total sperm production and is a good indicator of age at puberty in bulls. It is favorably associated with age at puberty in related heifers and possibly to subsequent fertility and production traits in related females. Scrotal measurements are adjusted for mature dam equivalent.
Hip height Hip height is a measurement recorded to calculate an appropriate frame score for each individual animal. The “Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs” from the Beef Improvement Federation instructs measuring hip height at the hip directly over the hook bones. A specially designed tool, created specifically for measuring hip height, can be used. Other methods can be used, however, the animal should be standing squarely and its head held in a normal position. Hip height is adjusted for age for frame score calculations. Ultrasound barn sheet (form 3a) Once weaning weights have been submitted, the breeder will receive form 3 and form 3a. This form allows breeders to dual record their yearling information for an ultrasound technician at the time the scan is taken. It records the date weighed, the yearling weight and a management code and group for each animal. It also includes an area to write remarks about each animal. This sheet is only for the ultrasound technician. If yearling weights are taken separately from the date the ultrasound scan is taken, then the calves will need to be re-weighed for the scan data to be accurate. Once the images have been processed at the laboratory, the data will be sent directly to AHA for further processing and then an ultrasound report will be generated and sent to the breeder. Birth, weaning and yearling group report (form 4) AHA will calculate the yearling portion of the data and return to the breeder form 4, Birth, Weaning and Yearling Group Report, listing calculated data for all birth, weaning and yearling measures reported. 12