American Angus Association $Value Indexes $Values are multi-trait selection indexes expressed in dollars per head, to assist commercial beef producers by adding sim$Values plicity to genetic selection decisions. A $Value has mean- ing only when used in comparison to the $Value of another animal. For example, just as with EPDs, variation in $Values between animals indicates average expected differences in the relative value of progeny if random mating is assumed and the calves are exposed to the same environment.
How do I use them?
$Values should be used to complement the criteria that pro- ducers already use when selecting bulls. The $Values are not designed to be driven by a single trait, as an index is multi-trait by design. These selection tools are the result of the application of industry-relevant market val- ues to Angus genetics for preweaning, feedlot, and carcass merit. The $W, $F, $G and $B values on individual animals and the Sire Evaluation Report may be viewed at www.angus.org.
American Angus Association 3201 Frederick Avenue • St. Joseph, MO 64506 816-383-5100 ahir@angus.org • www.angus.org
$W +21.28
$F +13.60
$G +12.53
$B +25.32
Weaned Calf Value ($W): an index expressed in dollars per head, is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for preweaning merit. $W includes both revenue and cost adjustments associated with differences in birth weight, weaning direct growth, maternal milk, and mature cow size. Feedlot Value ($F): an index expressed in dollars per head, is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for postweaning performance compared to progeny of other sires. Grid Value ($G): an index expressed in dollars per head, is the expected average difference in future progeny perform- ance for carcass grid merit compared to progeny of other sires. Beef Value ($B): an index expressed in dollars per head, is the expected average difference in future progeny perform- ance for postweaning and carcass value compared to progeny of other sires.The $B value combines the contributions of $F and $G.
WEIGHTS AND OTHER PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Actual Birth Weight (Act BW) is the actual birth weight of the calf, not adjusted for age of dam. Adjusted Weaning Weight (205 WT) is the weaning weight of the calf adjusted to 205 days of age, plus the age of the dam additive. The weaning weight ratio is also displayed next to the Adj. Weaning Weight. This displays how the animal performed relative to its contemporary group with a base score of 100. A score of 103 would indicate the animal weighed 3% more than its contemporaries at weaning. Frame Score (FS) is a convenient way of describing the skeletal size of an animal. It is based on the hip height and the age and sex of the animal when the measurement was taken. For example, a 12-month old bull with a hip height of 51 inches would have a 6 frame score. Most animals should maintain a similar frame score throughout their lives, even though their actual hip height increases. Disposition Score (Disp) is a score based on the Beef Improvement Federation guidelines listed below. No animals with a score of 4 or higher will be sold in our sale.
1 - Docile, Walks slowly, can be approached closely by humans, not excited by humans or facilities 2 - Runs along fences, will stand in corner if humans stay away, may pace fence 3 - Runs along fences, head up and will run if humans move closer, stops before hitting gates and fences, avoids humans 4 - Runs, stays in back group, head high and very aware of humans, may run into fences and gates even with some distance, will likely run into fences if alone in pen 5 - Excited, runs into fences, runs over humans and anything else in path, “crazy” Ultrasound Data Ribeye area: The ribeye area measured in square inches at the 12th rib. Marbling: The percent intramuscular fat measured in the ribeye at the 12th rib. Backfat: The external backfat measured in inches above the ribeye. *Ultrasound ratios are included for each measurement explaining how the animal performed relative to its contemporary group with a base score of 100.
EAGLE PASS RANCH SPRING BULL SALE
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