Selection for carcass and feedlot traits considering alternative slaughter end points and optimized management.

Profit was defined as a function of the genotype of animals and variables controlled by management. Alternative parameterizations of management variables were examined to compare the effect of controlling age at slaughter, weight at slaughter, or fat depth at slaughter. The various parameterizations are shown to result in equivalent economic weights for genetic variables, provided management variables are optimized for the current genotype. The implication is that economic weights and selection indexes can be conveniently calculated for age constant end points even though commercial production may involve weight or backfat depth constant slaughter points. An example of selection for profit in the feedlot phase of beef production is presented. Three genotype-management combinations were considered. Economic weights and subsequent selection index weights were shown to depend on both average genotypic means and management (feeding and marketing program) factors.