Traits

This article is a list of traits commonly observed in beef cattle. Some traits are economically relevant traits ( ERTs), directly affecting costs and income realized by an individual producer. Depending on marketing strategy, the same trait may be highly relevant, largely irrelevant, or an indicator of an ERT. Most of the entries in this table have links to a specific article with details about that trait. Also, you are encouraged to see the Selection and Mating section for guidance on using traits.

Authors, please feel free to add to this table, even if there is no specific linkable article with more details.

Also, if you make changes please arrange them in alphabetical order within row/column.

Growth Average daily gain Birth Weight Days to finish Dry matter intake Gain Frame score Hip height Mature height Mature weight Muscle score Slaughter weight Weaning weight Yearling weight

Reproduction Calving Interval Gestation length Heifer Pregnancy Length of productive life PG30 Reproductive tract score Scrotal circumference Stayability Sustained Cow Fertility

Carcass Back fat thickness Carcass weight Dressing percentage Marbling score Quality grade Ribeye area Shear force Ultrasound back fat thickness Ultrasound intramuscular fat Ultrasound rib eye area Ultrasound rump fat Yield grade

Management/Convenience Body condition score Calving Difficulty Docility Feed Efficiency Feed Intake Foot and leg score Maintenance energy Pelvic area Shedding score Teat and Udder Scores Tooth score

Health Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) Parasite egg count Pre-weaning survival Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) Tick score