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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Submitting Weaning Weight Data...............................................3-4
Scoring Udders............................................................................4-5
Sheath and Navel Scores.................................................................9
Utilizing Weaning Summary........................................................6-7
Frame Scores................................................................................7-8
Utilizing Weaning Sire Summary.....................................................8
Submitting Yearling Data.............................................................8-9
Utilizing Yearling Summary.....................................................10-11
Utilizing Yearling Sire Summary....................................................11
Dam Summaries...........................................................................13
Ultrasounding Scanning Results....................................................14
Glossary of Terms..........................................................................15
Age in Days Table........................................................................BC
e Brahman Herd Improvement Records (BHIR) Program has
been specically designed for Brahman cattle as a systematic method
for identifying the genetically superior individuals in a breeding
herd. e program provides a comprehensive prole of your herd
through data you and other breeders across the country submit.
BHIR is a valuable tool and should guide the progressive cattleman
in decisions on management, culling and selection by identifying
those animals that excel in reproductive eciency, growth,
mothering ability, longevity, conformation, and disposition.
BHIR is designed to enable breeders to maintain a complete set of
records of performance and production with minimum eort and
maximum simplicity.
How do you get started?
e rst step towards participating in BHIR is a commitment
to accurately recording data. First and foremost, a breeder should
record accurate birth dates and birth weights of all calves born in
your herd. Later, you will need to record weaning weights, weaning
dates, and other information. Only calves with birth dates, (and
birth weights, if possible), weaning weights and a weaning
date for the group of calves can be enrolled in BHIR. All of this
information is submitted on the “Application for Registration and
BHIR Enrollment” form.
Which Calves Should Be
Reported?
Every calf! Breeders can enroll any Brahman calf in BHIR
regardless of quality, or registration status. In fact, an accurate
evaluation of a calf’s genetic superiority (or inferiority) cannot be
made unless it is compared to all of the other calves that were raised
in the same environment. erefore, reporting calves who are not
good enough to register makes the good calves look even better.
It is also important to report the births of calves that are born
dead or die at a later time. is insures that your cow is given credit
for calving that year and keeps her calving interval current.
Contemporary Groups
Only performance records between contemporary animals can
be used for accurately making valid genetic comparisons and herd
improvement. Calves who belong in dierent contemporary groups
but are submitted at the same time should be grouped separately
and clearly marked as being in dierent groups. It is helpful,
to separate bulls and heifers on the application. e following
guidelines help you as a breeder to identify contemporary groups.
• All calves should have received the same management from birth
to weaning. For example, calves getting creep feed should only be
compared to other creep-fed calves. Embryo transfer calves should
not be compared to calves reared by their natural mothers.
• Calves should have been reared at the same location. Even
within the same general area, environmental dierences exist.
• Calves must all be born in the same season. is way, one is not
comparing spring calves to fall calves, for example. A rule of thumb
is that a fair comparison probably cannot be made if calves are born
more than 180 days apart.
• A contemporary group must contain at least two calves of the
same sex and management. is helps improve accuracy of ratios.
Also, a calf does not count toward the two head if it was not
between 120 and 300 days old when weighed.
American Brahman Breeders Association
3003 South Loop West, Ste 520 Houston, TX 77054
713-349-0854
www.brahman.org
Published by
Your Step by Step
Guide to Participating
in
BHIR
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
The Application for Registration and BHIR Enrollment Form
e “Application for Registration and BHIR Enrollment” serves two important but separate functions: 1) Regisering your cattle in the
ABBA herd book, and 2) Enrollilng your cattle in the BHIR program. Here is an overview of the form.
Form Field Description
Required to
Register Calves
Required to
Enroll in BHIR
Membership Number
Always list the ABBA membership number of the owner.
a a
Ownership Information
Properly complete the owner’s name, address and signature.
a a
Holding Brand
All registered Brahman cattle must be branded with a holding brand identifying
breeder and/ or rst owner. Brand MUST be on le at ABBA to be printed on
certicates.
a
Private Herd Number
Enter the individual identication number (i.e. brand) of each calf. Each
individual should have a unique number that must be dierent from any other
private herd number in your herd.
a a
Sex
Enter “C” for cow, “B” for bull, and “S” for steer.
a a
Birthdate
Enter the month, day and year born.
a a
Sire and Dam
Enter the private herd number and registration number of both the sire and dam
as shown on their registration certicates.
a a
Type of Service
Enter one of the following codes for type of services:
AI - Artical Insemination • N - Natural Service • E - Embryo Transfer
*If gestation length is to be calculated, include date of service.
If ET calf and submitting performance ll in recipient
PHN, Breed & Age.
a a
Horn Status
Enter “P” for Polled, “S” for Scurred, “H” for Horned. If left blank calf will be
assigned Horned.
a
Color
Enter one of the following codes indicating the predominant color of the calf to
be registered. (G-grey, R-red, B-black, S-speckled)
a
Name
e animal’s name is limited to 24 letters, spaces and numbers.
a
Birth Weight
Enter ACTUAL birth weight of the calf within 24 hours of birth
BW Group Code: is code is used to better evaluate the inuences aecting
BW. Submit a Group Code for cows that were managed the same prior to
calving. Suggested codes are 1,2,3, etc.
a
Weaning Weights and
Date Weighed
It is necessary to submit actual weaning weights of all calves and the date
weighed to enroll in BHIR. Only calves between 120 and 300 days of age can
be adjusted and have ratios calculated. Calves weighed out of this range will only
have weight per day of age (WDA) calculated and will receive no adjustments or
ratios. It is important to weigh as many calves as possible on the same day.
a
Note: If you only submit performance data, you will receive all the computed weaning reports after completing the basic BHIR information. However, you will not receive a
registration paper on the calf. We encourage all breeders to register the calves in their herd. However, instances where submitting performance only could be helpful to you would include
any time you desire the computed weaning performance to aid you in making selection decisions or when you do not desire to register every calf in a contemporary group.
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
e following information is not mandatory in order to
enroll your herd in BHIR. However, space has been provided to
allow you to objectively describe each animal as completely as
possible. is optional performance data ranks BHIR as the most
comprehensive performance program available for Brahman cattle.
It is recommended that you complete as much of the optional
information as is possible on every animal and that you utilize this
information in your selection decisions.
Calving Ease (C.E.)
Calving ease is one digit code that reports performance during
calving. Report calving ease by entering one of the following codes:
1. No assistance
2. Some assistance
3. Mechanical assistance
4. Cesarean section
5. Abnormal presentation
Udder and Teat Scores
Udder and Teat scores are a one digit code that reports the
suspension of the dams udder and teat size. Report the udder’s
suspension and teat size by entering one of the codes:
Udder Suspension Teat Size Score
9 Very tight, level Very small
8
7 Tight, Fairly level Small
6
5 Intermediate Intermediate
4
3 Pendulous, broken oor Large
2
1 Very Pendulous, broken down Very large, balloon shape
*See Diagrams on Page 5
Nurse Code
Nurse code is one digit code that reports the nursing activity of
the calf. Enter one of the following codes to denote the nursing
score:
1. Calf nursed vigorously with no assistance
2. Assistance needed – calf’s fault
3. Assistance needed – cow’s fault
4. Assistance needed – environment
Calf Survival/Disposal
Calf survival or disposal is a one digit code that reports the
weaning results for a calf. Enter one of the following codes to report
the survival or disposal of a calf.
1. Calf weaned
2. Calf died at calving
3. Calf died before 7 days of age
4. Calf died after 7 days of age
5. Calf died after one month of age
6. Calf died after three months of age
7. Calf died after ve months of age
8. Calf sold before weaning weight date
Hip Height
Measure and record hip height to the nearest one-half inch on
the same day the calf is weighed for weaning. e calf should be
standing as normal as possible and the height measured in inches
over the hooks (hip).
Temperment Code
Temperament code is a one digit code that denotes the disposition
of the calf. e temperment should be evaluated in a pen situation
with the animal and an additional two-four animals being placed in
a pen and scored.
Description
1 Non-aggressive (Docile). Walks slowly, can approach
closely, not excited by humans or facilities.
2 Slightly aggressive. Runs along fences, will stand in
corner if humans stay away, may pace fence.
3 Moderately aggressive. Runs along fences, head up and
will run if humans move closer, stops before hitting
gates and fences, avoids humans.
4 Aggressive. Runs, stays in back of group, head high and
very aware of humans, may run into fences and gates
even with some distance, will likely run into fences if
alone in pen.
5 Very aggressive. Excited, runs into fences, runs over
humans, and anything else in path, crazy.
Management Codes
Tells how calves were handled prior to weaning:
1. Natural dam, no creep
2. Natural dam, with creep feed
3. Raised on a foster dam (i.e. recip cow, nurse cow, etc.)
4. On show feed ration
Group Code
Animals that need to be evaluated separately due to a dierence
in environment, forage or any other dierences should be assigned
a dierent group code. It is recommended that these be as simple as
1,2,3.
Service Date
Enter the date that the dam was bred for the calf being registered
if it is known. is date should be entered if the cow was conceived
by AI, pen breeding or witnessed being served naturally.
Private Codes *Optional
One optional private code space is available for entering any one-
digit code that the breeder chooses.
Optional Data for BHIR
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Udder Suspension Scores
Teat Scores
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Page 6
Adjusted Birth Weight
Because of the economic importance of ease of calving and
the relationship of birth weight to this trait, it is important to
identify calves that are too heavy at birth. To make the birth weights
of all calves in a group comparable, the birth weight is adjusted for
dierences in age of dam. e following additive factors are used as
adjustments:
Weaning Summary and Yearling Worksheet
After submitting your registration application with the
appropriate weight columns completed, you will receive a weaning
report, a weaning sire summary and a weaning produce of dam
summary (which will be discussed on Page 13). e weaning
report lists the calves by sex while the Weaning Sire Summary
groups them by sire to allow comparisons of bulls used to produce
that calf crop. ese two summaries provide a complete overview
of weaning performance and are designed to be used in making
selection decisions. A worksheet for recording and reporting yearling
performance to ABBA and an ultrasound barn sheet are also provided.
Age of Cow Adjustments (lbs)
2 years +8
3 years +5
4 years +2
5 to 12 years 0
Over 13 years +3
e code “NR” appearing in the birth weight column indicated
that no weight was reported. In this case a standard weight of 70
pounds for heifer calves and 75 pounds for bull calves is used for all
the following calculations.
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Adj. 205 Day Wt. = (Actual weaning wt. - Actual Birth wt.)
Age in Days
+ actual birth weight
+ age of dam adjustment
e age of the dam adjustment factors are:
Age of Dam Male Calves Female Calves
2 years +30 +27
3 years +20 +18
4 years +10 +9
5 to 12 years 0 0
Over 13 years +10 +9
Weaning Weight Ratio
is ratio is calculated using the adjusted 205 day weight and
is the single most important item which appears on the Weaning
Summary and Yearling Worksheet report. e weaning weight
ratio describes a calf’s preweaning growth in terms of a percentage
of the herd average for that sex and should be the primary tool
used when ranking calves for making selections. A weight alone
does not adequately describe a calf’s genetic growth potential until
some measure of comparison is made to the growth of the calf’s
contemporaries, and the ratio is the calculation which makes this
comparison.
Weaning Wt. Ratio = Calf’s Adj. 205 Day Wt.
Avg. 205 Day Wt. of Cont. Group
Weaning Summary and Yearling Worksheet
Age of Dam
e age of dam aects birth, weaning and yearling weights. e
age reported on the summary is the age at the time of calving and is
reported in years. e following range in days is used to identify age
of dam.
Age in Days at Calving Age in Years
639-1003 2
1004-1338 3
1339-1703 4
1704-4623 5-12
4624 and over 13 and over
Days of Age
e age of the calf when weighed. In order to receive weight
adjustments and ratios, the age must fall between 120 and 300 days
of age. Individuals weighed outside of this range will receive no
adjustment and will be denoted as “irregular.”
WDA – Weight per day of age
Calculated as:
WDA = Actual weaning weight
Days of age when weighed
Adjusted 205 Day Weight
Weaning weight reects both the milking ability of the dam
and the growth potential of the calf. In order to compare calves of
dierent ages and from dierent aged dams it is necessary to adjust
the actual reported weight to a constant number of days of age and
a mature cow constant.
x 100
x 205
Frame Scores
Frame is an additional method of describing an animal. A column
is provided on the registration application to report actual hip
height from which frame scores are derived. In order to compare
calves of dierent sexes, dierent ages, and from dierent aged dams
it is necessary to adjust heights to a constant.
For male calves
Adj. ht. = (Actual height in inches) +
[(205 days - age in days when measurement is taken) X .033]
Female calves
Adj. ht. = (Actual height in inches) +
[(205 days - age in days when measurement is taken) X .025]
Since the dam eects play such a large role in all preweaning
data, calf heights are also adjusted for age of dam according to the
following factors:
Age of Dam Multiply Adj. Ht. By
2 1.02
3 1.015
4 1.01
5-10 no adjustment
11 1.01
12 1.015
13+ 1.02
e adjusted height is now converted to frame score and is
reported on the summaries you receive. e following is a chart
indicating the heights and corresponding frame scores.
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Weaning Sire Summary
is report contains the same information as the weaning report and is grouped by sire. All calves by the same sire are listed together
and averages of their performance-actual and adjusted weights, weight per day of age and weight ratios – are printed for each sire group
containing more than one calf.
is report can be used to make selection decisions regarding the sires that have been used to produce this calf crop. However,
consideration must be given to the production ability of the dams that the sires were bred to.
Weaning performance reports are only the rst step. e
information reported on the yearling worksheet is probably the most
important weight data reported for the individual calf. Weights and
measurements that are taken at this time are a good indication of
an individual’s ability to perform and are not as heavily inuenced
by maternal dierence as are measurements taken at weaning time.
Actual weight, date weighed and management code are the only
items required on the yearling worksheet. Other items are optional
but recommended.
Actual Weight and Date Weighed
Actual yearling weight should be reported for all calves appearing
in the weaning contemporary group if they have not been culled
Age
In
Mos.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Frame
Score
1
33.5
34.8
36.0
37.2
38.2
39.2
40.2
41
41.8
42.5
43.1
43.6
44.1
44.5
44.9
45.1
45.3
Frame
Score
2
35.5
36.8
38.0
39.2
40.2
41.2
42.2
43.0
43.8
44.5
45.1
45.6
46.1
46.5
46.8
47.1
47.3
Frame
Score
3
37.5
38.8
40.0
41.2
42.3
43.3
44.2
45.0
45.8
46.5
47.1
47.6
48.1
48.5
48.8
49.1
49.2
Frame
Score
4
39.5
40.8
42.1
43.2
44.3
45.3
46.2
47.0
47.8
48.5
49.1
49.6
50.1
50.5
50.8
51.0
51.2
Frame
Score
5
41.6
42.9
44.1
45.2
46.3
47.3
48.2
49.0
49.8
50.4
51.1
51.6
52.0
52.4
52.7
53.0
53.2
Frame
Score
6
43.6
44.9
46.1
47.2
48.3
49.3
50.2
51.0
51.8
52.4
53.0
53.6
54.0
54.4
54.7
55.0
55.2
Frame
Score
7
45.6
46.9
48.1
49.3
50.3
51.3
52.2
53.0
53.8
54.4
55.0
55.6
56.0
56.4
56.7
56.9
57.1
Frame
Score
8
47.7
48.9
50.1
51.3
52.3
53.3
54.2
55.0
55.8
56.4
57.0
57.5
58.0
58.4
58.7
58.9
59.1
Frame
Score
9
49.7
51.0
52.2
53.3
54.3
55.3
56.2
57.0
57.7
58.4
59.0
59.5
60.0
60.3
60.6
60.9
61.0
Age
In
Mos.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Frame
Score
1
33.1
34.1
35.1
36.0
36.8
37.6
38.3
39.0
39.6
40.1
40.6
41.0
41.4
41.7
41.9
42.1
42.3
Frame
Score
2
35.1
36.2
37.1
38.0
38.9
39.6
40.3
41.0
41.6
42.1
42.6
43.0
43.3
43.6
43.9
44.1
44.2
Frame
Score
3
37.2
38.2
39.2
40.1
40.9
41.6
42.3
43.0
43.6
44.1
44.5
44.9
45.3
45.6
45.8
46.0
46.1
Frame
Score
4
39.3
40.3
41.2
42.1
42.9
43.7
44.3
45.0
45.5
46.1
46.5
46.9
47.2
47.5
47.7
47.9
48.0
Frame
Score
5
41.3
42.3
43.3
44.1
44.9
45.7
46.4
47.0
47.5
48.0
48.5
48.9
49.2
49.5
49.7
49.8
50.0
Frame
Score
6
43.4
44.4
45.3
46.2
47.0
47.7
48.4
49.0
49.5
50.0
50.5
50.8
51.1
51.4
51.6
51.8
51.9
Frame
Score
7
45.5
46.5
47.4
48.2
49.0
49.7
50.4
51.0
51.5
52.0
52.4
52.8
53.1
53.4
53.6
53.7
53.8
Frame
Score
8
47.5
48.5
49.4
50.2
51.0
51.7
52.4
53.0
53.5
54.0
54.4
54.8
55.1
55.3
55.5
55.6
55.7
Frame
Score
9
49.6
50.6
51.5
52.3
53.0
53.8
54.4
55.0
55.5
56.0
56.4
56.7
57.0
57.3
57.4
57.6
57.7
Frame Score Chart for Bulls
Frame Score = -0.548 + 0.4878 (Ht) - .0289 (Days of Age) + 0.00001947 (Days of
Age)
2
+ 0.0000334 (Ht) (Days of Age).
Frame Score = -0.7086 + 0.4723 (Ht) - .0239 (Days of Age) + 0.0000146 (Days
of Age)
2
+ 0.0000759 (Ht) (Days of Age).
Frame Score Chart for Females
or sold prior to the weigh date. If no weight is available, leave this
space blank.
Cattle may be adjusted to any one of three yearling weight
constants: 365,452, or 550 days. All cattle in a contemporary group
should be weighed within the same age range. Acceptable age ranges
are:
Age in Days Weights Adjusted to
320-410 days 365 days
411-501 days 452 days
502-600 days 550 days
Submitting Yearling Data
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Management Codes
Enter one of the following codes indicating how the calves were
handled from weaning to yearling age.
1. Pasture with supplement feed
2. Pasture with no supplement feed
3. Dry lot – full feed and no pasture
4. On show ration
Group Code
Animals that have the same management but need to be evaluated
separately due to a dierence in pasture, environment or any other
dierence should be assigned a dierent group code. Animals with
the same group code will be analyzed together. It is recommended
that groups be numbered 1,2,3, etc.
Hip Height
is measurement should be taken at the time of weaning and
yearling. Actual height, to the nearest half inch, should be reported.
Measurements are made in the same manner described for weaning
hip height.
Sheath Scores
Navel Scores
Note: Navel and sheath scores will be reported by breeders on the yearly worksheets.
Scrotal Circumference
Only in the last decade has any importance been placed on
scrotal circumference. However, there are several studies indicating
high correlations between scrotal circumference and total semen
output, and between scrotal circumference in yearling bulls and age
at puberty of their paternal half-sibs.
e measurement should be taken at the same time yearling
weight is taken. e bull should be conned in the chute and
both testicles should be pulled down into the scrotum. Place the
measuring tape snugly around the widest portion of the scrotum.
e tape should be snug but not tight enough to wrinkle the skin.
e measurement should then be recorded in centimeters and
reported on the Yearling Worksheet.
Sheath Scores
Description
5 Excessively Clean
4 Optimum; sheath hangs at a 45° angle and is well
controlled.
3 Acceptable; sheath hangs at a 45° angle but has slightly
more leather than desired.
2 Marginal; excessive loose leather in navel area, slight
pendulous sheath that opens at a 90° angel to the body.
1 Unacceptable; extremely pendulous sheath at 90° angle
or extremely large prepucial opening.
P = Denote distended prepuce by assigning a “P” following
sheath score.
Navel Scores
Description
5 Excessively Clean
4 Optimum; no excessive leather in navel area
3 Acceptable; leather in navel slight more than desired.
2 Marginal; excessive leather in navel area and length of
underline.
1 Unacceptable; Pendulous navel ap, leather in underline
in excess of desired amount.
Private Codes
Enter codes in the same manner as they were entered for weaning
data on page 4.
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Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Yearling Sumary
Two yearling reports will be returned to you: the Yearling Report
and the Yearling Sire Summary. Both reports provide the same
information on individual calves, but the Yearling Report lists the
cattle by sex while the Yearling Sire Summary groups them by sire.
Sheath or Navel Score
Sheath or navel codes appear as they were reported on the yearling
worksheet and receive no adjustment.
Days of Age
Age of the calf at the time of weighing. Calves weighed outside
the adjustment period will not have an adjusted weight or ratio
calculated and will be reported as “irregular”.
W.D.A. - Weight per Day of Age
is trait is printed beneath the actual yearling weight and is
calculated by the formula:
W.D.A = Actual Yearling Weight
Days of Age at Weighing
Adjusted Yearling Weight
is weight is adjusted to the age shown at the top of the form
(365, 452, or 550 days).
Adjusted Yearling Weight is calculated by:
Adjusted Yearling Wt. = Actual Year Wt. - Actual Wean wt.
No. of days between weights
+ Adjusted 205 weight
Where D = 160 for 365 day adjustment
247 for 452 day adjustment
345 for 550 day adjustment
If no weaning weight is available (or if the weaning weight is
irregular), adjusted yearling weight is calculated as follows:
Adjusted Yearling Wt. = Actual Year Wt. - Actual Birth Wt.
Age in Days at Weighing
+ Adjusted Birth Weight
+ Age of Dam Adj. for WW
Where L = Length of adjustment period (365, 452, or 550 days)
x D
x L
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Page 11
Adjusted Yearling Weight Ratio
As with the weaning reports, the yearling weight ratio is the
primary trait of importance when ranking the yearling group
for selection purposes. Since some calves which were part of the
weaning contemporary group may not be kept until yearling data
is collected, it is necessary to adjust their yearling ratios for culling.
Ratios are biased downward in situations where the lower end
is culled and not fed through yearling stage. To compensate for
culling, yearling weight ratio is calculated as:
Ratio: W + P
W + P
Where: W = Calf’’s adj. 205 wt.
P = Calf’s post weaning gain
W = Average 205 day wt. of all contemporaries
P = Average post-weaning gain of all contemporaries
having a yearling weight
Note:
Post weaning gain = (Actual Yearling wt. - Actual Weaning wt.)
# of days between weights
D = Length of gain period (160, 247, or 345 days, depending on
length of adjustment period.)
Frame Score
Frame score, when used with weights and weight ratios, helps
to describe a more complete picture of an individual’s growth and
maturity pattern. e yearling frame score is derived from the
adjusted score. Adjusted yearling hip heights are obtained by using
these formulas:
For bulls under 365 days old:
Adj. Hip Ht. = Actual height + [(365 – age ) x .033]
For bulls over 365 days old and for all heifers:
Adj. Hip Ht. = Actual Height + [(365 – age) x .025]
To convert adjusted hip heights to frame scores, see the table on
page 8.
Scrotal Circumference
Scrotal circumference appears on the summaries as it was
reported; no adjustments are made. When making selections based
on this measurement, the breeder should remember that weight at
the time of measurement has an eect on scrotal circumference.
x 100
x D
Yearling Sire Summary
e Yearling Sire Summary contains the same information as the
Yearling Report, in addition to grouping the cattle by sire to allow
comparisons of the transmitting ability of the bulls used to produce
the calf crop. Averages of the performance traits are calculated for
sire groups containing more than one calf.
e average yearling weight ratio of sire groups accounts for
culling in the same manner as the individual ratios and is calculated
as:
Average Ratio of Sire Group: Ws + Ps
W + P
Where:Ws = avg. adjusted 205 day wt. of sire group
Ps = avg. post weaning gain of all calves in sire group
having yearling weights
W = Average 205 day wt. of all contemportaries
P = Average post-weaning gain of all contemporaries
having a yearling weight
x 100
Page 12
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Review Through Yearling Phase
A review of the information gathered and compiled after the
computed Yearling Summary is returned to you reveals several very
useful items.
As a BHIR participant you now have an adjusted birthweight,
calving ease, actual weaning weight and weight per day of age,
adjusted weaning weight and ratio as well as the other information
you submitted at weaning.
Your yearling information includes actual yearling weight and
weight per day of age, adjusted yearling weights and yearling weight
ratios that have been caculated to account for any culling that
occurred at weaning in addition to any of the other information
you submitted (sheath/navel, scrotal circumference, etc.) Both the
weaning and yearling information is separated into contemporary
groups and into sire groups.
By comparing the weaning ratios and frame scores to yearling
ratios and frame scores, you gain a better picture of an animal’s
growth pattern. Remember that the yearling data is more nearly free
of the maternal eects that inuence weaning characteristics.
With the availability of the above information as an additional
management tool, better selection and culling decisions can be
made. And as a BHIR participant, you have this information readily
available on each calf in your herd and compiled in a readable, well
organized manner.
In addition, you will also receive a calving record on each dam
in your herd summarizing her production and the performance of
her ospring. is is covered in the next section.
Page 13
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Dam Summary
e Dam Summary provides a complete summary of the individual performance records of a dam and an up to date record of the dam’s
progeny and their performance records.
e Dam Summary is a full size page on which is printed a two generation pedigree along with the dam’s actual performance data and
current EPD’s.
e Dam Summary lists all of the dam’s production including calves that are Performance Only or animals that had records submitted
but never registered. Each calf is identied by its private herd number, sire’s registration number and sire’s private herd number as well as its
birth date, sex, calving ease score and actual birth weight. e weaning information includes the actual weaning weight, age in number of
days at time weaning weight was taken, the adjusted 205 day weaning weight, the ratio, rank with in contemporary group, frame score and
weight per day of age at weaning. e yearling data includes the actual yearling weight, age in number of days when the yearling weight was
taken, the adjusted yearling weight, ratio, rank, frame score and weight per day of age at yearling weight.
Below the calving performance are several charts that summarize the dam’s production. ese include the number of sires she has calved
to, the average calving interval, the number of male and female progeny and the weights and average weights taken at weaning and yearling.
Page 14
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Ultrasound Scanning Results
e Ultrasound Scanning Results Report consists of the nal
analysis of cattle that producers have scanned for carcass traits.
Once your cattle are scanned by an approved Ultrasound Guidelines
Approved Technician and have been interpreted by an approved lab
these results are reported to ABBA, added to your animals le and
then sent to you in this format. To obtain a copy of the ultrasound
guidelines visit the ABBA website or contact the ABBA Oce.
is report consists of the animal’s registration number, private
herd number, date of birth, sex, sire and dam information and the
weight and age in days at the time of scanning.
e report gives the actual and adjusted ribeye area as well as
a ratio and rank for comparisons with in the contemporary group.
e ribeye area measurement is taken between the 12th & 13th rib.
is measurement is a common estimator of total muscle.
e next columns give the results for Percent IMF
(Intramuscular Fat or Marbling). e actual and adjusted
measurements are given as well as the ratio and rank among the
contemporaries for this trait. e IMF measurement provides an
estimate of the degree of marbling or intramuscular fat deposited in
the ribeye that ultimately aects the USDA Quality Grade.
e next two sets of columns report the actual and adjusted
measurements for rib fat and rump fat as well as give the ratios and
rank among the contemporary group for these two traits. e rib
fat measurement is the most common measure of external fat on a
carcass, and is directly related to carcass yield grade. e rump fat
measurement is an indicator of the total amount of carcass fat and
is correlated to percent retail product. e more rump fat the less
pounds of lean product.
Intramuscular Fat to Quality Grade Conversion
% IMF USDA Quality Grade
2.3-3.0 Low Select
3.1-3.9 High Select
4.0-5.7 Low Choice
5.8-7.6 Choice
7.7-9.7 High Choice
9.9 & Higher Prime
Ribeye Area
e expected base Ribeye Area is 1.1 sq. inches/100 lbs of live
weight. is would equate to a 1,000 lb. animal having an 11.0
sq. in. REA. Anything under this would be lees than ideal while
anything over this would be exceptional.
Light Muscle Cattle 0.8 sq in/cwt
Average Muscle Cattle 1.1 sq in/cwt
Heavily Muscle Cattle 1.3 sq in/cwt
USDA Carcass Premiminary Yield Grade Fat ickness Base
Fat ickness (in.) Yield Grade
0.10 2.25
0.20 2.50
0.30 2.75
0.40 3.00
0.50 3.25
0.60 3.50
0.70 3.75
0.80 4.00
Page 15
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Glossary of Terms
Actual Birth Weight e weight of a calf taken within 24
hours after birth. Heavy birth weights tend to be correlated with
calving problems, but the conformation of the calf and the cow
are contributing factors.
Adjusted Birth Weight Weight taken within 24 hours of
birth and adjusted to a mature cow (5-12 years old) basis.
Adjusted Weaning Weight Weight taken between 120 and
300 days of age and adjusted to 205 days of age and to a mature
cow basis.
Actual Yearling Weight Post weaning weight adjusted to 365,
452, or 550 days and to a mature cow basis.
Average Daily Gain Measurement of daily change in body
weight when animals are fed for tests.
Calving Interval e average length of time in days between
successive calvings.
Contemporary Group A group of cattle that are of the same
breed and sex and have been raised in the same management
group (same location on the same feed and pasture).
Contemporary groups should include as many cattle as can be
accurately compared and should contain at least 5 head.
Culling e process of eliminating less productive or less
desirable cattle from a herd.
Dystocia (Calving Diculty) Abnormal or dicult labor,
causing diculty in delivering the fetus and placenta.
Environment All external (nongenetic) conditions which
inuence the reproduction, production, and carcass merit of
cattle.
Frame Score A score based on subjective evaluation of
the height or measurement of height. is score is related to
slaughter weights at which cattle will grade choice or have half an
inch of fat cover over the loin eye at the 12-13th rib.
Genotype Average genetic makeup (constitution) of
an individual determined by its genes or germplasm. For
example, there are two genotypes for the polled phenotype [PP
(homozygous dominant) and Pp (heterozygote)].
Half-Sibs Individuals having the same sire or dam. Half-
brothers and half-sisters.
Heredity e transmission of genetic or physical traits of
parents to their ospring.
Most Probable Producing Ability (MPPA) An estimate of
a cow’s future productivity for a trait (such as progeny weaning
weight ratio) based on her past productivity. For example, a cow’s
MPPA for weaning ratio is calculated from the cow’s average
progeny weaning ratio, the number of her progeny with weaning
records, and the repeatability of weaning weight.
Number of Contemporaries e number of animals of
similar breed, sex, age, against which an animal was compared
in performance tests. e greater the number of contemporaries,
the greater the accuracy of comparisons.
Performance Data e record of the individual animal for
specic traits such as birth weight, weaning weight, yearling
weight, etc.
Phenotype e visible or measurable expression of a
character; for example, weaning weight, post-weaning gain,
reproduction, etc. Phenotype is inuenced by genotype and
environment.
Progeny e ospring of animals.
Random Mating A system of mating where every female
(cow and/or heifer) has an equal or random chance of being
assigned to any bull used for breeding in a particular breeding
season. Random mating is required for accurate progeny tests.
Rate of Genetic Improvement Rate of improvement per
unit of time (year). e rate of improvement is dependent on:
(1) heritability of traits considered; (2) selection dierentials;
(3) genetic correlations among traits considered; (4) generation
interval in the herd; and (5) the number of traits for which
selections are made.
Selection Causing or allowing certain individuals in a
population to produce ospring in the next generation.
Selection Dierential (Reach) e dierence between the
average for a trait of the selected cattle and the average of the
group from which they came. e expected response from
selection for a trait is equal to selection dierential times the
heritability of the trait.
Trait Ratio An expression of an animal’s performance for a
particular trait relative to herd or contemporary group average. It
is usually calculated for most traits as:
Indiviual Record
Average of animals in group
Weight Per Day Of Age (WDA)
Weight of an individual divided by days of age.
X 100
Brahman Herd Improvement Records Program Manual • www.brahman.org
Date Due
Bred Date
Feb 1 Nov 10
Feb 2 Nov 11
Feb 3 Nov 12
Feb 4 Nov 13
Feb 5 Nov 14
Feb 6 Nov 15
Feb 7 Nov 16
Feb 8 Nov 17
Feb 9 Nov 18
Feb 10 Nov 19
Feb 11 Nov 20
Feb 12 Nov 21
Feb 13 Nov 22
Feb 14 Nov 23
Feb 15 Nov 24
Feb 16 Nov 25
Feb 17 Nov 26
Feb 18 Nov 27
Feb 19 Nov 28
Feb 20 Nov 29
Feb 21 Nov 30
Feb 22 Dec 1
Feb 23 Dec 2
Feb 24 Dec 3
Feb 25 Dec 4
Feb 26 Dec 5
Feb 27 Dec 6
Feb 28 Dec 7
Date Due
Bred Date
Mar 1 Dec 8
Mar 2 Dec 9
Mar 3 Dec 10
Mar 4 Dec 11
Mar 5 Dec 12
Mar 6 Dec 13
Mar 7 Dec 14
Mar 8 Dec 15
Mar 9 Dec 16
Mar 10 Dec 17
Mar 11 Dec 18
Mar 12 Dec 19
Mar 13 Dec 20
Mar 14 Dec 21
Mar 15 Dec 22
Mar 16 Dec 23
Mar 17 Dec 24
Mar 18 Dec 25
Mar 19 Dec 26
Mar 20 Dec 27
Mar 21 Dec 28
Mar 22 Dec 29
Mar 23 Dec 30
Mar 24 Dec 31
Mar 25 Jan 1
Mar 26 Jan 2
Mar 27 Jan 3
Mar 28 Jan 4
Mar 29 Jan 5
Mar 30 Jan 6
Mar 31 Jan 7
Date Due
Bred Date
Apr 1 Jan 8
Apr 2 Jan 9
Apr 3 Jan 10
Apr 4 Jan 11
Apr 5 Jan 12
Apr 6 Jan 13
Apr 7 Jan 14
Apr 8 Jan 15
Apr 9 Jan 16
Apr 10 Jan 17
Apr 11 Jan 18
Apr 12 Jan 19
Apr 13 Jan 20
Apr 14 Jan 21
Apr 15 Jan 22
Apr 16 Jan 23
Apr 17 Jan 24
Apr 18 Jan 25
Apr 19 Jan 26
Apr 20 Jan 27
Apr 21 Jan 28
Apr 22 Jan 29
Apr 23 Jan 30
Apr 24 Jan 31
Apr 25 Feb 1
Apr 26 Feb 2
Apr 27 Feb 3
Apr 28 Feb 4
Apr 29 Feb 5
Apr 30 Feb 6
Date Due
Bred Date
May 1 Feb 7
May 2 Feb 8
May 3 Feb 9
May 4 Feb 10
May 5 Feb 11
May 6 Feb 12
May 7 Feb 13
May 8 Feb 14
May 9 Feb 15
May 10 Feb 16
May 11 Feb 17
May 12 Feb 18
May 13 Feb 19
May 14 Feb 20
May 15 Feb 21
May 16 Feb 22
May 17 Feb 23
May 18 Feb 24
May 19 Feb 25
May 20 Feb 26
May 21 Feb 27
May 22 Feb 28
May 23 Feb 29
May 24 Mar 1
May 25 Mar 2
May 26 Mar 3
May 27 Mar 4
May 28 Mar 5
May 29 Mar 6
May 30 Mar 7
May 31 Mar 8
Date Due
Bred Date
Jun 1 Mar 10
Jun 2 Mar 11
Jun 3 Mar 12
Jun 4 Mar 13
Jun 5 Mar 14
Jun 6 Mar 15
Jun 7 Mar 16
Jun 8 Mar 17
Jun 9 Mar 18
Jun 10 Mar 19
Jun 11 Mar 20
Jun 12 Mar 21
Jun 13 Mar 22
Jun 14 Mar 23
Jun 15 Mar 24
Jun 16 Mar 25
Jun 17 Mar 26
Jun 18 Mar 27
Jun 19 Mar 28
Jun 20 Mar 29
Jun 21 Mar 30
Jun 22 Mar 31
Jun 23 Apr 1
Jun 24 Apr 2
Jun 25 Apr 3
Jun 26 Apr 4
Jun 27 Apr 5
Jun 28 Apr 6
Jun 29 Apr 7
Jun 30 Apr 8
Aug 1 May 10
Aug 2 May 11
Aug 3 May 12
Aug 4 May 13
Aug 5 May 14
Aug 6 May 15
Aug 7 May 16
Aug 8 May 17
Aug 9 May 18
Aug 10 May 19
Aug 11 May 20
Aug 12 May 21
Aug 13 May 22
Aug 14 May 23
Aug 15 May 24
Aug 16 May 25
Aug 17 May 26
Aug 18 May 27
Aug 19 May 28
Aug 20 May 29
Aug 21 May 30
Aug 22 May 31
Aug 23 Jun 1
Aug 24 Jun 2
Aug 25 Jun 3
Aug 26 Jun 4
Aug 27 Jun 5
Aug 28 Jun 6
Aug 29 Jun 7
Aug 30 Jun 8
Aug 31 Jun 9
Sep 1 Jun 10
Sep 2 Jun 11
Sep 3 Jun 12
Sep 4 Jun 13
Sep 5 Jun 14
Sep 6 Jun 15
Sep 7 Jun 16
Sep 8 Jun 17
Sep 9 Jun 18
Sep 10 Jun 19
Sep 11 Jun 20
Sep 12 Jun 21
Sep 13 Jun 22
Sep 14 Jun 23
Sep 15 Jun 24
Sep 16 Jun 25
Sep 17 Jun 26
Sep 18 Jun 27
Sep 19 Jun 28
Sep 20 Jun 29
Sep 21 Jun 30
Sep 22 Jul 1
Sep 23 Jul 2
Sep 24 Jul 3
Sep 25 Jul 4
Sep 26 Jul 5
Sep 27 Jul 6
Sep 28 Jul 7
Sep 29 Jul 8
Sep 30 Jul 9
Oct 1 Jul 10
Oct 2 Jul 11
Oct 3 Jul 12
Oct 4 Jul 13
Oct 5 Jul 14
Oct 6 Jul 15
Oct 7 Jul 16
Oct 8 Jul 17
Oct 9 Jul 18
Oct 10 Jul 19
Oct 11 Jul 20
Oct 12 Jul 21
Oct 13 Jul 22
Oct 14 Jul 23
Oct 15 Jul 24
Oct 16 Jul 25
Oct 17 Jul 26
Oct 18 Jul 27
Oct 19 Jul 28
Oct 20 Jul 29
Oct 21 Jul 30
Oct 22 Jul 31
Oct 23 Aug 1
Oct 24 Aug 2
Oct 25 Aug 3
Oct 26 Aug 4
Oct 27 Aug 5
Oct 28 Aug 6
Oct 29 Aug 7
Oct 30 Aug 8
Oct 31 Aug 9
Nov 1 Aug 10
Nov 2 Aug 11
Nov 3 Aug 12
Nov 4 Aug 13
Nov 5 Aug 14
Nov 6 Aug 15
Nov 7 Aug 16
Nov 8 Aug 17
Nov 9 Aug 18
Nov 10 Aug 19
Nov 11 Aug 20
Nov 12 Aug 21
Nov 13 Aug 22
Nov 14 Aug 23
Nov 15 Aug 24
Nov 16 Aug 25
Nov 17 Aug 26
Nov 18 Aug 27
Nov 19 Aug 28
Nov 20 Aug 29
Nov 21 Aug 30
Nov 22 Aug 31
Nov 23 Sep 1
Nov 24 Sep 2
Nov 25 Sep 3
Nov 26 Sep 4
Nov 27 Sep 5
Nov 28 Sep 6
Nov 29 Sep 7
Nov 30 Sep 8
Dec 1 Sep 9
Dec 2 Sep 10
Dec 3 Sep 11
Dec 4 Sep 12
Dec 5 Sep 13
Dec 6 Sep 14
Dec 7 Sep 15
Dec 8 Sep 16
Dec 9 Sep 17
Dec 10 Sep 18
Dec 11 Sep 19
Dec 12 Sep 20
Dec 13 Sep 21
Dec 14 Sep 22
Dec 15 Sep 23
Dec 16 Sep 24
Dec 17 Sep 25
Dec 18 Sep 26
Dec 19 Sep 27
Dec 20 Sep 28
Dec 21 Sep 29
Dec 22 Sep 30
Dec 23 Oct 1
Dec 24 Oct 2
Dec 25 Oct 3
Dec 26 Oct 4
Dec 27 Oct 5
Dec 28 Oct 6
Dec 29 Oct 7
Dec 30 Oct 8
Dec 31 Oct 9
Date Due
Bred Date
Jan 1 Oct 10
Jan 2 Oct 11
Jan 3 Oct 12
Jan 4 Oct 13
Jan 5 Oct 14
Jan 6 Oct 15
Jan 7 Oct 16
Jan 8 Oct 17
Jan 9 Oct 18
Jan 10 Oct 19
Jan 11 Oct 20
Jan 12 Oct 21
Jan 13 Oct 22
Jan 14 Oct 23
Jan 15 Oct 24
Jan 16 Oct 25
Jan 17 Oct 26
Jan 18 Oct 27
Jan 19 Oct 28
Jan 20 Oct 29
Jan 21 Oct 30
Jan 22 Oct 31
Jan 23 Nov 1
Jan 24 Nov 2
Jan 25 Nov 3
Jan 26 Nov 4
Jan 27 Nov 5
Jan 28 Nov 6
Jan 29 Nov 7
Jan 30 Nov 8
Jan 31 Nov 9
Jul 1 Apr 9
Jul 2 Apr 10
Jul 3 Apr 11
Jul 4 Apr 12
Jul 5 Apr 13
Jul 6 Apr 14
Jul 7 Apr 15
Jul 8 Apr 16
Jul 9 Apr 17
Jul 10 Apr 18
Jul 11 Apr 19
Jul 12 Apr 20
Jul 13 Apr 21
Jul 14 Apr 22
Jul 15 Apr 23
Jul 16 Apr 24
Jul 17 Apr 25
Jul 18 Apr 26
Jul 19 Apr 27
Jul 20 Apr 28
Jul 21 Apr 29
Jul 22 Apr 30
Jul 23 May 1
Jul 24 May 2
Jul 25 May 3
Jul 26 May 4
Jul 27 May 5
Jul 28 May 6
Jul 29 May 7
Jul 30 May 8
Jul 31 May 9
Gestation and Age Measurement Table
To determine expected birth date of calf add 291 to the “day-number” of
the date bred.
To nd the date on which a calf becomes 205 days of age locate the “day
number” of its birth date. Add 205 and locate the date he becomes 205
days old. For yearling measures at 365 days of 550 days follow the same
procedure. e table applies to ordinary years only. For leap years, one day
must be added after February 28.
Brahman Herd Improvement Record
