Performance testing of beef cattle has been gaining acceptance the past two decades and is now considered an integral part of beef cattle management. Many states, including Indiana, offer performance testing programs through their Cooperative Extension Services, and most national breed associations also conduct testing programs. This publication attempts to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about performance testing of beef cattle.
What is performance testing? It is a simple, accurate method of obtaining systematic records on the production of each animal in the herd. Performance testing offers beef cattle producers a means of measuring differences among animals in heritable traits.
Who should performance test? Any beef producer, purebred or commercial, should consider performance testing to help evaluate his herd.
Why performance test? Performance testing provides a basis for comparing cattle handled alike within a herd. Differences among animals in traits of economic value are heritable to a large degree. Thus, systematic measurement and use of records in selection will lead to genetic improvement within herds and breeds of cattle, increasing profits.
What traits are considered? Those traits that contribute both to productive effi-
ciency and desirability of product should be measured. Regular reproduction, rapid growth, efficient feed conversion, and carcasses preferred by packers and consumers are traits of major economic importance. Most programs provide for measuring and recording calving record, birth weight, weaning weight and grade, yearling weight and grade, and carcass information.
How can performance test records be used? Use beef performance records to increase profits in the following ways:
1.	Determine and improve percent calf crop.
2.	Increase weaning and yearling weights.
3.	Improve conformation grade of calves and yearlings.
4.	Cull low-producing cows.
5.	Aid in selection of replacement heifers and herd bulls.
6.	Evaluate each sire within the herd.
7.	Improve overall herd management.
8.	Provide additional information to potential buyers.
9.	Help advertise the merits of the herd.
Does Purdue offer a performance testing program to beef cattle producers? Yes, the Indiana Beef Performance Testing Program is available to all producers in the state and is administered by the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service at Purdue University. Weights and other data are recorde<
Beef Section • Animal Sciences Department Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indian*
Beef Performance Testing -- Questions and Answers
L. A. Nelson. K. G. MacDonald tnnl K. J. Drewry, Animal Sciences Department
AS-331 Rev. 1971