Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs

About BIF	Data Collection and Processing	Genetic Evaluation	Selection and Mating	Useful Pages

	Forward: Welcome to the Wiki version of the Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs published by the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF). The BIF Guidelines is provided to aid producers in selecting and improving beef cattle. This document is divided into three principal sections: Data Collection and Processing, Genetic Evaluation, and Selection and Mating. In addition, there are sections about the Beef Improvement Federation and a Useful Pages section that includes an invaluable Essential Reading list for those interested in a deeper look into all things related to beef cattle breeding and selection. The Wiki version of the Guidelines is a modern take on a formal process of academic and industry review of best practices related to beef cattle improvement. As such, input from all sectors of the industry is sought and encouraged. Producers, breeders, academics, government scientists, breed association technical staff and extension educators have all contributed knowledge to this globally respected resource. Your input is valued, too! As you read the guidelines and see opportunities for input, please, utilize the Wiki resources to pass that information to our review committee. As with all such efforts, the current contributors to the Guidelines stand on the shoulders of industry greats whose contributions to the science of genetic improvement date back well over six decades. It would be impossible to thank all of those who have come before us, but to them we owe a debt of gratitude. On behalf of myself, the BIF Board of Directors, and the long list of contributors to these Guidelines, we hope that you find them useful, if not essential, to achieving your selection goals!
	-Bob Weaber, Ph.D., Executive Director
	This Wiki version of the BIF Guidelines is a live, regularly updated version of the most scientifically advanced information relating to genetic improvement in the beef industry. The goal of the BIF Board of Directors is for this Wiki to be universally available to any person or organization involved in beef cattle genetic improvement programs. I encourage all segments of the beef industry to take advantage of this valuable resource. Since the Wiki is in the public domain, educators are encouraged to freely use the Wiki contents in teaching and extension programs. Also, suggestions for improving this Wiki are encouraged.
	-Gordon Jones, Ph.D., President, 2024-2025

Guidelines is a publication of the Beef Improvement Federation.