Moderate mature size Finally, Gelbvieh females combine heavier weaning weight calves and early age at puberty with a moderate mature size. Moderate size is important for producers who are conscious of efficiency in their herds. Weaning larger calves from moderate cows that require fewer inputs is obviously economically relevant with today’s high feed prices.
has been working on an index that combines the maternal traits mentioned above, plus other things like calving ease, udder score, and stayability.
Using an index helps producers select on traits that contribute to overall profit. Look for this index to be published as a research index this fall. For additional
information on Gelbvieh maternal traits and how to measure them, visit www.gelbvieh.org. nnn
Studies have shown that heifers that reach puberty earlier in life can potentially conceive earlier in the breeding season, giving them more time to recover after calving and therefore contributing to on-time calving later in life. New maternal Index So what’s next? The American Gelbvieh Association’s Impacting the Beef BusinessTM long-range strategic plan outlines goals for the development of a maternal index for Gelbvieh and Balancer® animals so their maternal efficiency can be put into definite terms. Dr. Mike MacNeil, an internationally recognized expert in the field of breeding and genetics research, The Profitpicture | 37