Performance test procedures for meat production amongst dairy bulls used in AI

Abstract

SUMMARY The potential benefits to be obtained from the adoption of performance testing for meat production in a dual-purpose breed have been examined and contrasted with those obtainable from improvements in dairy progeny test procedures. It was concluded that capital investments in performance testing are likely to prove profitable, but less profitable than similar investments in the improvement of the dairy progeny test. Where performance testing is practised, there appears to be little advantage to be gained from the application of selection rates in excess of 1 in 3.