Project Number: 5434-31000-014-02
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Mar 10, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2005

Objective:
1) Analyze and determine utility of ARS developed simulation model for calculating relative economic values in livestock to the South African situation and modify it as necessary 2) Conduct analyses of growth and feed intake data collected in centralized growth tests of young bulls in South Africa focusing on estimation of parameters for input into simulation model 3) Calculate selection indexes appropriate to terminal sires in South Africa.

Approach:
ARS to make initial visit to South Africa to present general approach used in calculation of selection indexes for various US livestock breeds, become acquainted with South African production systems and begin work on analyses of growth and feed intake data. Via email work on modifications for South African selections index model developed during initial visit and prepare manuscript of analysis of growth and feed intake data. ARC-AII scientists to visit ARS, Miles City, MT, to finalize manuscript detailing results from analyses of growth and feed intake data, finalize modifications of simulation model, calculate relative economic values and selection index weights appropriate to South African production systems, initiate development of manuscript detailing the selection indexes and via e-mail, finalize manuscript detailing the selection indexes.

Project Team

Macneil, Michael Ephraim Matjida - Deputy Director, Arc Animal Improvement Institute (406)232-8213

Related National Programs

Food Animal Production (101)