6
Ask an experienced cow-calf producer to identify the charac-
teristics of a profitable beef cow and you will probably get a
response like this: reproductively sound, calves easily, trans-
mits rapid early growth, enough milk (but not too much), rais-
es an above average calf year after year, moderate mature
size, reduced feed energy needs. Cows meeting these re-
quirements will generate more profit, because they do most
everything right.
A tool for the cowherd
Above average outputs (pounds of calf weaned) coupled with
average or below average feed inputs are sure to improve
the bottom line. But is it even possible to create a cow herd
that gets so many things right? Pipe dream or achievable
task?
Research conducted using the American Angus Association’s
database indicates that it can be done, and that $W is the
right tool for the job. If your quest is to build a productive
cow herd, the Association’s bioeconomnic index called
weaned calf value, or $W, can help you reach that goal. The
definition for $W is as follows:
Weaned calf value ($W), an index value expressed in dollars
per head, is the expected average difference in future proge-
ny performance for preweaning merit. $W includes both rev-
enue and cost adjustments associated with differences in
birth weight, weaning direct growth transmitted to the calf,
maternal milk, and mature cow size.
If you select for higher $W animals, the results will generally
be more early growth, moderate mature size, above average
(though typically not extreme) milk, and heavier calf weaning
weights. Higher-$W females get these things right and are
constructed in a more desirable package.
Trait by trait
Calving ease. The High-$W cows calve more easily, because
they possess more favorable (higher) direct and maternal
calving ease EPDs. This means fewer calving problems, es-
pecially with younger females and a higher weaned calf crop
percentage.
Milk production. With a 5-lb advantage in average milk EPD,
the High-$W cows produce more milk, contributing to faster
calf growth and heavier weaning weights.
Weaning and yearling growth. Advantages in both weaning
and yearling weight EPDs mean that progeny from the High-
$W cows will grow more rapidly both pre– and postweaning
than calves with low-$W dams. That means heavier pay
weights whether calves are sold right off the cow after wean-
ing, retained through a stocker phase, or fed out and fin-
ished in the feedlot. More pounds equal a bigger calf check.
Mature cow size. Even though the High-$W cows transmit
more early growth, they bend the growth curve, and ultimate-
ly mature at lighter weights.
Feed energy requirements. Today’s higher feed costs make
cow maintenance expenses very important to the producer’s
bottom line, and the High-$W cows, on average, can claim a
slight advantage here, too. It can be accurately stated that
the much more productive High-$W cows cost no more to
maintain compared to their low-$W counterparts.
Heavier weaning weights. With more milk and higher WW
EPDs, the High-$W cows consistently wean heavier calves.
When bred to bulls of equal genetic merit, High-$W cows
simply bring home bigger calves than Low-$W females, re-
sulting in larger calf revenue year after year.
Using $W as a Selection Tool
Not every High-$W cow will be stamped out of a cookie-
cutter mold, of course. The comparison discussed in this
article is made across large groups of cows to give the
breeder and commercial producer an understanding of what
traits a high $W value favors. High $W sires will, as a general
statement, pass more of these economically important traits
on to their daughters. However, $W is an index, meaning
that exceptional EPDs in one category may balance out
weaknesses in another area.
$W can and should be used as a genetic selection tool to
help build increased profit potential into a cow herd. It will
pay producers to pursue higher $W cattle, while at the same
time keeping a sharp eye on other individual traits and EPDs
they deem important in their operations. For example, two
sires might both have a $W of $30, but if one is +18 for
milk, while the other has a milk EPD of +28, their daughters
probably won’t fit all feed environments equally.
The objective is to put positive selection pressure on $W,
while finding the right levels for individual EPDs and other
$Values in your operation. Doing so can help you build a cow
herd that does most everything right.
Reprinted with permission from the American Angus Association.
2015 Cooperators
Since 1989 we have worked closely with cooperator herds
on embryo implantation in expanding our numbers. This in-
cludes commercial operations that run Fink females. This
has proven to be a workable option for both parties. We be-
lieve the beef business is about working together. In some
cases the breeders may show other than Fink on the regis-
tration certificate, but rest assured they are guaranteed with
the same genetics, service and conditions. Any problems,
should they occur, will be handled by Finks.
Mike & Kevin Renfro
Joe & Tom Ryan
Doyle Creek Cattle
Larson Farms
Blooming Hills Charolais (our niece, Jan Beene)
Steve & Nick Hargrave
Robert Alyward
Sheppard Cattle Co.
Jeff & Kristie Schurle
Mark Diederich
Jerry Luthi
Shannon & Zandrea Ardery
Steve & Brandie Holly
Tom Greco
Lisa Stryker
Brett Vogt
