More detailed information regarding each selection index is provided in the downloadable document.

The Charolais Society of Australia currently reports two different selection indexes. These are the:

• Northern Maternal Index (NMI)
• Domestic Terminal Index (DTI)

All of the selection indexes described above have been derived using BreedObject software. The BreedObject selection index development process involves four major steps. These steps are:

1. A detailed description of the input costs and value generation of the commercial herd and target production system.
2. Once the target production system is described, the BreedObject software evaluates how each trait influences profitability and the economic value of improving each trait.
3. The BreedObject software then assesses what emphasis needs to be applied to each Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) trait to achieve the maximum profitability in the production system and for the market end point for which that index was designed. This step includes evaluating the selection response expected from direct selection on the individual EBVs and the correlated responses expected from selection on related EBVs.
4. The importance placed on each EBV results in the selection index value that is calculated for each animal.

Each selection index describes a different production system/market scenario and relates to a typical commercial herd using Charolais bulls. As is the case for EBVs, each selection index can be used to rank and compare animals on their genetic merit. Producers are advised to use the selection index that most closely aligns to their production system. See the Using Australian Charolais Selection Indexes tip sheet, available in the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website, for further information on the identification and utilisation of the most applicable selection index for your herd.

All selection indexes are reported in units of net profitability per cow mated ($) for the production system/market scenario they describe. Selection indexes account for both sides of the profit equation (costs as well as income), and also reflect the relative short and long term profit associated with possible selection decisions. For example, short term profit can be generated by a bull through the sale of his progeny, and the longer term profit generated by his daughters in a self-replacing cow herd.

Each of the selection indexes are focused on efficient beef production while also targeting the following specifications:

Northern Maternal Index (NMI) - Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined for a typical commercial herd where Charolais bulls are joined with Bos indicus cows in Northern Australia targeting the grass fed Jap Ox market. Selected heifers are retained for breeding and so maternal traits are of importance. Steers target 650 kg live weight (360 kg HSCW and 12 mm P8 fat depth) and heifers 630 kg (340 kg HSCW and 14 mm P8 fat depth), at 26 months of age. In response to industry feedback; positive emphasis has been placed on finishing ability.

Domestic Terminal Index (DTI) - Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined for a typical commercial herd where Charolais bulls are joined with a British breed cow base (e.g. Angus) targeting the domestic trade. This index assumes all progeny will be marketed with steers finished in the feedlot for 90 days, and weighing 450 kg (250 kg HSCW and 7 mm P8 fat depth) when marketed at 12 months. Heifers will be in the feedlot for 75 days, and weigh 430 kg (230 kg HSCW and 9 mm P8 fat depth) at 12 months. In response to industry feedback, positive emphasis has been placed on finishing ability.

More detailed information regarding each selection index is provided on the following pages.

If you have any further queries regarding the Australian Charolais Selection Indexes, please do not hesitate to contact staff at your BREEDPLAN processing centre.