Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Lafayette, Indiana
Mimeo AS-218 Rev, April 1963
BEEF CATTLE PERFORMANCE TESTING PROGRAM
by Henry Mayo, C. W. Foley, C. J. Heidenreich, Robert Garrigus and Kenneth G. MacDonald,
Animal Sciences Department
Beef cattle performance testing is a method to improve the quality and producing ability of beef cattle. Livestock farmers use performance testing to gather information about the productiveness of their cattle.
A performance testing program will indicate which cows to keep and which to sell.
Livestock men have long observed differences in individual cattle and they have tried to select the most desirable animals. However, the two characteristics that affect the value of a beef animal most are conformation and ability to gain rapidly.
Next to keeping accurate records, the scale is probably still the most valuable aid for selecting beef cattle herd replacements.
PRODUCTION TESTING PROCEDURE
Identify
Identify all cows and calves with neck chains, brands, ear tags, ear notches or tattoos.
Keep Records
Record the birth weight of each calf.
If calves are not weighed at birth, estimate a weight of 70 pounds for bull calves and 65 pounds for heifers.
Record the weaning weight of each calf. Calves should be weighed when weaned, usually between 150 and 240 days of age.
Grade the Calves
Grade all calves according to the grading guide shown in Table 1. Neighbors, County Agents, Livestock Specialists, the owner himself or any good livestock man can do the grading so long as he is consistent, The numerical grades are used in order to work the grade along with gaining ability into the index.
Weight adjustment factors (WAF) are used to adjust weaning weights since these weights will vary according to sex of the calf, age of the dam, season of birth and feeding methods. This makes it possible to accurately compare heifer, bull, or steer calves from cows of any age. See Table 2 for weight adjustment factors.
Index of Performance
Index formulas make it possible to keep an accurate record of each cow and her production for each year. For instance a steer calf that grades good (10), gains 1.7 pounds per day, and is from an eight year old cow, will have an index score of 100. Other calves may score as high as 150 or as low as 65 or 70.
Weight Adjustment and Index Example
You have a heifer that weighs 445 pounds on October 28. She has been given a grade score of 10 (good grade, see Table 1). This calf weighed 60 pounds at birth on March 2.