Abstract

The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Production model was expanded to include basic concepts 
of quantitative genetics. In the original model genetic potentials were specified by growth 
rate, mature weight and milk production. The progeny inherited these traits from the dam 
with no contribution from the sire. The model was modified so that the progeny inherited 
attributes from both the sire and the dam. The incorporation of genetics into the model 
allowed for the introduction of variation among individuals and from generation to generation. 
This was achieved by interfacing the original model with stochastic genetic subroutines. A 
restricted selection index and a function to examine dystocia levels in cows were also 
included in the model.
 

K. Dzama, J. P Walter, F. Ruvuna, J. O Sanders, W. B Pierce

Proceedings of the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Volume 17. Genetics and breeding of dairy and beef cattle, swine and horses, , 300–303, 1994