Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society Unveils Dairy Beef Index for Farmers
What happened
The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society introduced a new Dairy Beef Index designed to assist dairy farmers in selecting Aberdeen Angus genetics. The index combines several estimated breeding values into a single figure to assess a bull's suitability for dairy beef production. The index incorporates traits such as calving ease, gestation length, 200-day and 400-day weights, carcass performance, and intramuscular fat.
Why it matters
The new tool is the first dedicated dairy-beef index launched by a UK beef breed society. It is intended to help dairy farmers improve the commercial value of calves entering beef systems while supporting dairy herd performance. Robert Gilchrist, chief executive of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, stated the index simplifies sire selection for dairy producers.
Who's involved
- SocietyUnveiled the new Dairy Beef Index for farmers
- Robert GilchristChief executive who explained the purpose of the index