{"id":10549,"date":"2024-03-26T11:09:04","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T16:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/au\/?page_id=10549"},"modified":"2026-04-07T23:33:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T23:33:07","slug":"core-considerations-and-traits-for-terminal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/au\/core-considerations-and-traits-for-terminal\/","title":{"rendered":"Core Considerations and Traits for Terminal Beef Profitability\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For some, the word terminal carries a negative connotation. But, in reality, the vast majority of calf crops have a terminal destination in the beef supply chain. If your terminal endpoint is selling calves at weaning, the weaning weight may seem like the only relevant trait to consider. Nevertheless, the beef industry operates with a rapidly improving ability to \u201cconnect the dots\u201d from ranch to grocery store.<\/strong> So, whether you retain ownership to the rail or not, traits that drive profitability post-weaning are important. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, cattle feeders expect fast-growing, healthy cattle <\/strong>that convert feed to pounds of carcass weight efficiently.<\/strong> Packers expect as much high-quality carcass weight <\/strong>as possible for every hook space. <\/strong>Meanwhile, consumers demand an exceptional eating experience <\/strong>whether they are fine dining or eating at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the improvements in data collection, EPDs, and genomics in the last few decades, beef producers can better select genetics that drive profit in cattle feeding and carcass value to meet the demand of the beef supply chain.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, precise breeding strategies, like our Sexcel\u00ae 60\/40 Synch program,<\/a> allow you to segment your herd, emphasizing more focused maternal selection on a portion while simultaneously maximizing terminal value from females not needed to produce replacements. You can choose a maternal path, a terminal one, or both at the same time because each path is achievable with today\u2019s genetics, tools, and technology.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing Sires with a Terminal Emphasis<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because pounds and post-weaning profitability matter, choose sires who excel for growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass merit. <\/strong>We recommend using economic indexes because they combine and weigh the relative impact of traits into one simple and effective selection tool.<\/strong> Read more about the different economic indexes below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n