Comparative analysis of beef merit index in Hungarian Simmental sires

Abstract

In this study the beef merit index (breeding value of beef) of 47 Hungarian Simmental bulls in progeny test was examined. Moreover the relationship between beef merit index and subtraits (net gain, dressing percentage) were evaluated and the results of bulls in progeny testing were compared according to birth date, seedstock herd and grandsire. The relationships between beef merit index and dual purpose production index (KTI) as well as the results of conformation scores (frame, muscularity, form) were examined. According to the results the average beef merit index of sires in progeny testing was 103.43. Comparing to this the average value of KTI and frame were higher, whereas average value of muscularity and net weight gain were lower, which means value below 100 point. Based on the results of the correlation calculation the KTI correlated negatively with breeding value of muscularity (r= −0,5), whilst the beef merit index showed a positive relationship with breeding value of frame (r=0,4). No significant relation was emerged between KTI and beef merit index, the coefficient of rank correlation rS= −0,24. In spite of this it can be selected such sires, which occurred in both rank in the first 10 places, and this is advantageous from selection point of view. The genetic trend of KTI and frame show declining tendency, whilst the beef merit index, breeding value of muscularity, form, net gain and dressing percentage increase. The generation group and the seedstock herd had no significant effect on the examined traits; on the other hand the effect of grandsires was significant on KTI, the breeding value of frame, muscularity and form.