Required Carcass Data Collection for Use in Genetic Evaluations

The primary goal of all genetic evaluation programs should be determining unbiased values of genetic merit for each parent tested. Unfortunately, economic hurdles may prevent this from being totally possible in carcass merit evaluations. However, below are guidelines that my minimize the effect of some of these hurdles.

A proper contemporary group must be identified at harvest with a minimum of 3 progeny of the same sex (harvested on the same date) with at least 2 reference sires for carcass merit evaluation represented.

Producers should identify the following information on all animals prior to harvest:

    1. Sire: registration number, herd ID and birthdate.
    2. Dam: registration number, herd ID, and birthdate. (No registration number needed 
       if a commercial dam)
    3. Calf: registration number, herd ID, birthdate, sex, birthweight, weaning weight 
       and yearling weight. (No registration number needed if a commercial calf)

All of the recommended carcass data collection traits must be identified at harvest. This includes: 1) animal ID 2) harvest date 3) packing plant name and location 4) carcass ID 5) hot carcass weight 6) marbling score 7) carcass maturity 8) 12th fat thickness 9) ribeye area 10) percent pelvic, heart and kidney fat 11) final calculated yield grade 12) quality grade.