When cattle producers are looking for the traits their herds will carry into the future, they never just choose one. In fact, no animal producer does. But the Iowa State University (ISU) research herd is showing what can be accomplished with one particular trait selection.
ISU Beef Center Director Dan Loy talks about why ISU decided to select a single-trait approach.
The research farm near Chariton, Iowa selected their Angus heifers for marbling or intramuscular fat. Ultrasound gave way to expected progeny differences (EPDs).
Loy led an analysis of the results of the selection process and co-authored the research paper.
This Iowa herd is average in comparison to the rest of the country, except when it comes to marbling.
The carcass quality went past choice and was mostly prime.
Markets always seem to like those better grades.
