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

The Wagyu Society of South Africa currently reports three different selection indexes. These are the:

• Cow Calf Producer Index (CCP)
• Long Fed Terminal Index (LFT)
• Short Fed Terminal Index (SFT)

All of the selection indexes described above has 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 Wagyu 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 South African Wagyu 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 (R) 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:

Cow Calf Producer Index (CCP) - Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined for a typical Wagyu commercial herd. Selected heifers are retained for breeding and thus maternal traits are of importance. Steers are finished in a long fed program and target 770 kg live weight (455 kg HSCW) at 34 months of age. In response to industry feedback, a premium has been placed on carcase quality and marbling.

Long Fed Terminal Index (LFT) - Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined for a typical crossbred commercial herd using Wagyu bulls. All progeny are finished in a long fed program and target 725 kg live weight (420 kg HSCW) at 30 months of age. In response to industry feedback a premium has been placed on carcase quality and marbling. Daughters are NOT retained for breeding and thus no consideration is given to maternal traits.

Short Fed Terminal Index (SFT) - Estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined for a typical crossbred commercial herd using Wagyu bulls. All progeny are finished in a short fed program and target 550 kg live weight (315 kg HSCW) at 22 months of age. In response to industry feedback a premium has been placed on carcase quality and marbling. Daughters are NOT retained for breeding and thus no consideration is given to maternal traits.

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

If you have any further queries regarding the South African Wagyu Selection Indexes, please do not hesitate to contact staff at the Wagyu Society of South Africa.