The American Simmental Association has officially released the $Gain economic subindex, as well as the Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) in an alpha release format on Herdbook. The purpose of these traits is to help breeders better characterize terminal performance by evaluating genetic differences for feed intake and the profitability potential associated with growth relative to intake.
One of the more recent concerns in the business has been related to feed “efficiency” in feeder cattle. The reason for the quotes around “efficiency” is that in many cases, the tools developed to address feed conversion have been related to biological efficiency rather than economic efficiency, which can sometimes be antagonistic to meaningful improvement. A solution to this is the $Gain economic subindex developed by International Genetic Solutions to more appropriately address selection for improved feedlot performance by optimizing the economic efficiency during the finishing phase. Unlike traditional single-trait selection for dry matter intake (DMI) or residual feed intake (RFI), $Gain balances both the economic component of average daily gain (ADG) and DMI, ensuring that the most profitable animals are identified. The result of $Gain is already factored into both $API and $TI, meaning the relationship of value of gain to the cost of intake is already factored into both indexes.
The $Gain prediction is expressed as the difference in daily profitability of animals in the feedlot based on their combination of DMI and ADG expected progeny differences (EPD). ADG is positively weighted by the value of a pound of gain, and DMI is negatively weighted by the cost of a pound of dry matter.
$Gain and DMI can be viewed in the EPD suite on Herdbook.org.
For more information, and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit: https://bit.ly/ASAReleasesDMIandGain-FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, MT. ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education, and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA, along with its partners, formed International Genetic Solutions — the world’s largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Learn more at www.simmental.org
