03 February 2024

CBVs expected for 85,000 mart-traded calves

Following the publication of over 620,000 genotypes last week and ongoing sampling at farm level as part of the National Genotyping Programme (NGP), ICBF expects ~85,000 mart-traded calves to have a Commercial Beef Value (CBV) displayed at the time of sale this year.

In a recent statement, the breeding federation said that it is committed to developing and supporting dairy beef systems, adding: ‘The Commercial Beef Value is key to advancing the potential of dairy calf to beef systems as a viable option for farmers.

‘All calves genotyped as part of the NGP will receive a CBV and will have their data displayed on the mart boards. Based on animals traded through the marts last year, 2024 should see close to 85,000 calves with their CBV displayed on mart boards.

‘The genomic information available for these calves will provide calf rearers with a greater selection when it comes to sourcing calves from the dairy herd this spring,’ the ICBF statement read.

What is the CBV?

The Commercial Beef Value trading tool assigns a monetary value to a calf based on its estimated genetic merit for the traits in the Dairy Beef Index.

Carcass value is the main factor that determines the revenue received for dairy-beef progeny, but predicting potential carcass value is not easy in 2-3 week old calves. Carcass value is highly heritable, however, meaning that the genetic merit of an animal translates very well to the actual observed performance.

Given this, the CBV assigns a value to calves based on their expected profit until slaughter. It comprises estimated genetic merit for five traits from the dairy-beef index. These are carcass weight, conformation and fat, as well as docility and feed intake. The CBV is presented within three main breed categories: suckler, dairy-beef and dairy-dairy.

Also read: Mapping the direction of travel of dairy beef systems

Also read: Beef calves coming earlier in the dairy calving season

Also read: Breeding better beef calves for sale