Low-cost genotyping platforms and sexed-semen have enabled the production of high breeding value dairy replacement heifers from a fraction of the herd representing the most elite cows. The remainder of the cow herd can be bred to beef bulls using male-sexed-semen. Camera carcass data postharvest and ultrasound carcass estimates preharvest (live animals) on beef × dairy animals combined with genotypes and ultrasound on seedstock animals may provide an efficient scheme for selecting beef bulls to mate to dairy cows in the future to maximize carcass value of the progeny. Genotypes are needed to link carcass data from previously harvested to seedstock bull selection candidates because pedigree is typically not available for beef × dairy cattle. We report that live animal ultrasound carcass estimates are predictive of postharvest economically important carcass traits. The accuracy of genetic evaluation of selection candidates without recorded carcass traits was low but is expected to increase with more genotypes and phenotypes on beef × dairy cattle. Genotypes, ultrasound estimates, and camera carcass data on thousands of beef × dairy cattle could enable increased accuracy of selection with periodic infusion of new phenotypes from future generations.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.