To have it all, pay attention to all

All of “those things” were marbling, maternal function and performance.

But re-reading that post I realized I may have unintentionally fueled another myth, so let me a clarify a bit.

Myth: You can achieve profitable, high-quality cattle by selecting for marbling alone.

Fact: You need to keep pressure on marbling, while focusing on all economically important traits.

Yes, even a branded beef company with a big emphasis on marbling (it is the No. 1 one reason cattle fail to meet CAB) won’t ever suggest you select for it without regard for other economically important traits.

I’ve brought this up before, but I thought it’s worth stating again and our Best Practices Manual says it best:

“Selecting for any one trait while ignoring others does not lead to commercially successful livestock production. The key is balance in selecting for all traits that affect profit, both short- and long-term. However, balance need not mean “equal.” Strong selection pressure can be put on a few traits that greatly improve CAB acceptance rates without compromising other areas.”

We have an entire chapter devoted to our genetic recommendations, which includes stacking generations selected for marbling and choosing Angus bulls that are AT MINIMUM in the top 40% of the breed for marbling.

There are recommendations for backfat and ribeye area, too, but that’s only one part of the puzzle. You need easy-keepers, good mothers and good gainers, too.

Now you can’t say I didn’t warn you. You can have it all, but that means paying attention to it all, too.

May your bottom line be filled with black ink,

Miranda

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