Selection and mating decisions in cow-calf herds need to be made with a clear objective in mind. There are more trait specific expected progeny differences and bio-economic indices available to cattle breeders than ever before. These are powerful tools which can be used to improve calving ease, growth rates and carcass quality. Perhaps of even greater long-term impact, genetic values can be used to improve the next generation of cows with regard to milk production, mature size, fertility, foot soundness, environmental fit and longevity. With this in mind, why is it more important than ever to be intentional when making selection and mating decisions? Because selection pressure is a precious commodity. It should not be squandered.
As you make decisions this spring in preparation for breeding season, answer the following questions to determine where selection pressure should be applied:
- Will your bulls be terminal sires or will daughters be retained as your next generation of cows.
- Do you intend to use the bulls on virgin heifers or mature cows?
- What is your intended marketing endpoint of the calves sired? Weaning, yearlings or as fed cattle?
- What do your past production records indicate with regard to mature cow size, percent calf crop weaned, weaning weights, yearling weights and carcass merit?
It can be challenging to sort through each and every genetic value available to consider in bull selection. That being said, answering the questions above will help you identify the trait (or traits) of primary economic importance to your operation on which selection pressure should be prioritized. Selection pressure applied to improving the genetic potential of a few prioritized traits can improve the profit potential of your next calf crop and will optimize your return on investment in bulls purchased.
Dr. Mark Johnson explains the risks of focusing too heavily on specific traits and how it can impact overall herd performance on SunUpTV from March 21, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiEefpTRhbs
